Ollie Watkins opens up on Villa contract talks amid Chelsea and Arsenal interest
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 30 Sept 2023 15:33 BST
- 3 min read
Ollie Watkins delivered a coy response when asked about the situation involving his contract renewal with Aston Villa.
Following his side’s 6-1 thumping of Brighton, a game in which the striker netted a hat-trick against the Seagulls, TNT interviewed the game’s Man of the Match, asking him about his future at the club as talks over fresh terms rumble on.
The England international, however, wasn’t giving much away, simply saying: "My job is to score goals and what goes on outside is separate."
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Watkins' decision to keep his cards close to his chest would be a source of anxiety for this affiliated with Villa. The forward’s current deal is up in 2025, while discussions over a new deal have taken some time.
Watkins liked by Chelsea and Arsenal
Watkins, who earned a Man of the Match for his display in Villa’s 6-1 win over Brighton on Saturday, has been linked with a move to Arsenal, as well.
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Indeed, FootballTransfers revealed that Arsenal's director, Edu, had engaged in discussions with agent Paulo Vernazza over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.
The former Gunners player owns the agency Two Touch, with Chelsea also keen on Watkins ahead of January.
Sources close to the matter suggest that securing Watkins in the January transfer window could prove challenging, given the current talks over a new deal, but not entirely impossible, as his current side has been attempting to negotiate a new contract with their star player for over a year. Watkins is seeking a five-year contract with a wage demand exceeding £150,000 per week.
A source connected to the club revealed to FootballTransfers: "There are doubts within the club that Ivan Toney would fit into the Arsenal way. Arteta typically favours players with a disciplined and clean-cut image. Arteta has had previous disagreements with Toney and is concerned about his current situation.
"Of course, there are examples like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who were swiftly moved on due to attitude issues, that come to mind. Additionally, Arteta is wary of the risk associated with paying £60 million for a player midway through the season who may not be match-fit. Ultimately, it may hinge on Watkins' contract negotiations."
