Arsenal receive MAJOR transfer warning

Cameron Smith

3 Mar 2025 00:00 CST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has warned Arsenal against signing Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed with a late bid for the England international during the January transfer window and FootballTransfers has been informed that Arsenal are expected to rekindle their interest in Watkins later this year.

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However, Keane has urged the Gunners to think twice before submitting a significant bid for the 29-year-old.

“I like Watkins,” the former Man Utd midfielder admitted after Aston Villa’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff City on Friday night. “I think he’s a really good player, I think he’s a threat, but maybe this [Aston Villa] is his level.

“I know he’s been linked with other clubs, but sometimes you go ‘maybe you’re not going to be that top, top striker’.”

Watkins has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign, but his tally of 22 big chances missed is the most of any player throughout the 2024-25 Premier League season.

The England star has just over three years remaining on his current Aston Villa contract, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €65.8 million.

Arsenal want a new striker

Despite Keane’s warning, Arsenal are expected to consider a summer move for Watkins amid Mikel Arteta’s push to bring a new striker to the Emirates Stadium in 2025.

The Gunners were unable to sign a centre forward during the January transfer window, despite injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and we have been informed that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Watkins are among the club’s targets for this summer.

Alexander Isak has also been heavily linked with a move to north London, although Newcastle United are set to demand a transfer fee in excess of €150m to sanction a sale this year.