Manchester United has been associated with a relocation for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who made Arsenal an £ 50 million offer during the January transfer window
Arsenal's failure to sign Ollie Watkins could come back to chase them after Manchester United had made contact with Aston Villa to discuss a movement. Watkins, 29, has been added to the shortlist of the Red Devils, while manager Ruben Amorim is looking for a new striker.
The list of United options already includes Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike by Eintracht Frankfurt, who are both interested in elsewhere. The Red Devils are concentrating on their attack in the summer transfer window, after having spent £ 62.5 million to sign Matheus Cunha last month and offer up to £ 63 million for Bryan Mbeumo.
To finance their business, Amorim would be willing to renounce Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho. The conversations of United to sign Watkins started by Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan in Villa.
The athletic report that took place from Rashford to Villa Park prior to the relocation, discussed with regard to a potential Swap deal in which Watkins was involved. It has now been contacted to explore the conditions of a separate deal after Villa – who run the risk of violating the Premier League profit and sustainability rules – confirmed that the Rashford loan would not be made permanently.
However, if Arsenal had been successful in their endeavor, Watkins would not be on the market. The Gunners made an offer for the international England, who was willing to let Villa go while colleague striker Jhon Duran was still in the club.
But the range of £ 50 million from Arsenal was rejected and Duran was that was sold and joined Saudi-Arab side Al-Nassr. Speaking in April, Liverpool -legend Jamie Carragher unveiled the reason why Watkins did not sign for Arsenal.
“When we talk about Arsenal who went for Ollie Watkins, someone told me that Aston Villa offered him to Arsenal,” Carragher said on the overlappodcast. “I know that. I don't think it was Arsenal with a villa that they want to sign him.
“Arsenal did not sign him because they did not offer much money. They offered about £ 50 million. This is the information I had. If I know, I know for sure that his agent knows that.
Should Manchester United try to sign Ollie Watkins? Say in the commentary part.
“Villa has spent a lot of money, and they have to get something back. In an ideal world you would probably sell Ollie Watkins and keep Jhon Duran because he is the younger player – he is only 21.”
Arsenal is no longer focused on Watkins, with Gyokees and RB Leipzig -star Benjamin Sesko who pop up like their best Spits goals. United could therefore have a free run with the 29-year-old, who could demand Villa less for their relevant financial perilous situation.