Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Aston Villa centre-forward Ollie Watkins.
The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for Villa during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 15 goals and registering six assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.
Watkins has netted 14 Premier League goals during an excellent season, including five in his last four appearances in England's top flight.
Villa have won seven of their last eight league matches, including a 3-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, with the recent run of form leaving them sixth in the table, six points off the top four.
Watkins struck a brace against Newcastle, while he has found the back of the net on 11 occasions in his last 12 appearances in England's top flight.
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According to Football Insider, Arsenal have expressed an interest in Watkins, with the Gunners keen to sign at least one new centre-forward during this summer's transfer window.
The report claims that Mikel Arteta's side are keeping a close eye on the forward's contract situation at Villa Park, with his current terms due to expire in the summer of 2025.
Villa have allegedly opened contract talks with Watkins, and the striker is keen to sign a new long-term deal with Unai Emery's side, but Arsenal are confident of turning his head if they make an official move.
Watkins is believed to earn in the region of £75,000 a week at Villa Park, but a new deal could be worth in excess of £100,000 a week, reflecting his importance to the club.
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A number of other Premier League clubs are also said to be keeping a close eye on the situation, but Arsenal are believed to lead the race for his services.
Arteta's side have seen their Premier League title ambitions take a hit in their last two games, drawing 2-2 with Liverpool and West Ham United.
The Gunners remain top of the table, now four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, but the reigning champions have a game in hand and will welcome the Gunners to the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
Eddie Nketiah has only scored four Premier League goals for Arteta's team this term, while Gabriel Jesus has nine, including four in his last three appearances in England's top flight.
Arsenal will be bidding to return to winning ways in the league when they welcome relegation-threatened Southampton to the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.
Matt Law
