ZHAKE
Ollie Watkins’ future could be away from Aston Villa
Watkins might be looking ahead to what Villa can achieve this season, but when it comes to the 2025-26 campaign his future is uncertain.
Arsenal made a late-window bid for the 29-year-old in January but were unsuccessful, however the Gunners are still on the lookout for a striker.
Industry insider Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Watkins would be open to moving to the Emirates Stadium in the summer as he would become the main striker for a title-chasing team.
Aston Villa strengthened their push for Champions League football on Saturday (8 March) after a hard-fought victory against Brentford.
Ollie Watkins’ 49th-minute goal against his former club was ultimately the decider in the game at the Gtech Community Stadium as Unai Emery’s side took all three points.
The game was dominated by the hosts as Brentford had 60 percent of the possession, with Villa’s victory coming against the run of play.
It was an important win for Villa’s pursuit of Champions League football as the club moved up to seventh place in the Premier League table.
Villa are the only team in the top half of the table with a minus goal difference, which increases the pressure on each performance as the team needs a clear points gap.
Emery’s side now sit just two points away from the top four after Man City were defeated by Nottingham Forest, putting them in a strong position for the final run of games.
Ollie Watkins is ready for the run-in
Watkins played a clear role in Villa’s win and continued his own impressive season as he scored his 13th goal of the Premier League campaign.
Match Stats Watkins
Total Shots 4
Accurate Passes 10/19 (53%)
Touches 33
Defensive Actions 4
The Villa striker has been an important member of the squad this season with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
ZHAKE
Qudus Salihu
