Talks ‘progressing well’ to keep ‘deserving’ Aston Villa star from clutches of Arsenal
Talks are reportedly ‘progressing well’ between apparent Arsenal target Ollie Watkins and Aston Villa over a new contract, as Unai Emery feels he is “deserving”.
Watkins has been one of Villa’s best players since he joined the club ahead of the 2020/21 season. The former Brentford man notched 14 league goals during his first season as he finished as the Villans’ top goalscorer.
The following season, he was again top of the pile at Villa, netting 11 times in the league. After a slow start this season which saw him score just twice in the first 14 league games, he’s turned things up a notch.
Indeed, Watkins has bagged 10 goals in his last 15 league games. He’s joint-seventh in the league’s top-goalscorers list, while also topping the chart at Villa.
The in-form man has been subject to reports of a new contract at Villa Park. In response to those reports, manager Emery said the star was “deserving” of a new deal and more money.
Football Insider have offered an update on the situation, suggesting that contract is soon to be a done deal. Indeed, that report states talks are ‘progressing well’ and all parties are ‘happy with the direction of discussions’.
It’s no surprise Watkins and Villa want to keep up their relationship given how effective the striker has been during his time at the club.
He’s seemingly going to be rewarded for being a ‘key player’, too. Football Insider suggests Watkins will be offered ‘over £100,000-a-week as Villa bid to tie him down long-term’.
That will bring him closer to the top earner at the club, reportedly Lucas Digne, at £160,000-a-week.
Villa hoping to tie Watkins down is a positive for a few reasons. Amid his top form, his eyes could wander, so they’ll want to keep him happy.
Reports in March suggested Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had ‘asked’ that the Gunners sign the striker in the summer.
But with a new deal on the horizon, and a certain starting role at Villa – where at the Emirates, he’d have a couple of good options to battle with – it’s likely that he’ll remain for a little while longer.
He’s currently one of the key members in Villa’s rise towards the top of the league. They’re currently sixth, and next season, they could see an even steeper increase, especially if Watkins remains happy.
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