Second Arsenal bid 'expected' for Euro 2024 hero as ‘talks advancing’ with striker who ‘wants’ move

Watkins has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best strikers and with Arsenal in need of goals, they have targeted a move for the England international. Watkins scored for Villa against Celtic on Wednesday while also missing a penalty as he slipped when hitting the ball. With Arsenal’s first bid rejected, the Daily Mail reports that an improved bid is expected from North London ahead of Monday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

According to the TheSecretScout, Watkins wants to move to Arsenal and that talks are advancing between his representatives and the Gunners. However, a move could hinge on whether Villa can sign Joao Felix from Chelsea. Speaking earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano said Felix was a dream target for Unai Emery. He said on his YouTube channel: “And then Joao Felix. Joao Felix remains the dream target for Unai Emery. I told you many times. Unai Emery is obsessed with this one. So if today, tomorrow, in two days, in three days, on Monday, Chelsea decide to open the door to the exit of Joao Felix, Aston Villa for sure will try. For sure, they will try to make it happen.

“Because Unai Emery is in love with the player. And also those close to the player believe that Unai Emery could finally be the right coach to trust him, to play him consistently and show the excellent quality of Joao Felix. But, again, it's not guaranteed.”

Watkins career so far

The 29-year-old from Torquay made his professional debut with Exeter City in 2014 before being snapped up by Brentford in 2017. Three years later, he joined Villa for a then club-record fee of £28m. He has scored 81 goals and provided 35 assists in 201 games for Villa and has 69 Premier League goals in 169 appearances in the competition - along with 31 assists.

He made his England debut in March 2021 as he came on as a substitute during a 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley. He scored his first Three Lions goal with his first shot on target for his country. He was the nation’s hero at Euro 2024 as he scored a 90th minute winner against the Netherlands in a 2-1 victory in the semi-final.

“Unbelievable, I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks” said Watkins after his heroics in Germany. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get where I am today, grateful that I got the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands. I’m delighted. I’m lost for words, when you score there’s emotions that come through your body but this is just a different feeling it was like slow motion. I didn’t want to leave the pitch I just wanted to soak it all in. I don’t think I’ve hit a ball that sweet.”