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Arsenal, Chelsea-linked Ollie Watkins 'on verge of new Aston Villa deal'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 27 September 2023

Arsenal, Chelsea-linked Watkins 'on verge of new Villa deal'

Ollie Watkins, who is being linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, is reportedly close to penning a new long-term contract at Aston Villa.

Ollie Watkins is reportedly close to penning a new long-term contract at Aston Villa despite being made aware of interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Arsenal are believed to be considering moving for a new number nine in January, with the club wanting to bring in an alternative to Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus through the middle.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are also expected to enter the centre-forward market in the winter, and both London clubs have been credited with an interest in Brentford's Ivan Toney.

Watkins's future has also been the subject of speculation, with the two teams said to be admirers of the seven-time England international.

The 27-year-old scored 16 times in all competitions for Villa last season, including 15 in the Premier League, while he has four goals in nine outings this term.

Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring for Aston Villa on February 25, 2023 © Reuters

Watkins netted his first Premier League goal of the campaign in Sunday's 1-0 win at Chelsea to move onto 47 strikes in 125 appearances for the club in all competitions since arriving from Brentford in September 2020.

Villa boss Unai Emery said after the clash with Chelsea that the club were in discussions with Watkins over a new contract.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed that Arsenal director Edu has held talks with the striker's agent over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium in January.

According to talkSPORT, the Englishman is now close to putting pen to paper on a new and improved contract at Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring for Aston Villa on August 20, 2022 © Reuters

The forward's existing deal with Villa is due to expire in the summer of 2025, which has led to the speculation surrounding his future.

Watkins has managed double figures in each of his three full seasons at Villa Park, while he netted 49 times in 143 appearances during his time at Brentford.

Villa have made a solid start to their 2023-24 Premier League campaign, picking up 12 points from six matches, which has left them in sixth position in the table.

However, Emery's side suffered a surprise defeat to Legia Warsaw in their first match in the group stage of the Europa Conference League last week.