Ollie Watkins' stance on Arsenal transfer after shock summer window U-turn

Arsenal are searching for a new striker ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and it appears that they have rekindled their interest in Ollie Watkins after a failed January swoop

Ollie Watkins has made no secret of his love for Arsenal - and it now seems as though the Gunners will make a fresh attempt to sign the England striker after failing to do so in January.

Arsenal will finally add a new No.9 to their squad in the summer transfer window after drawing a blank in their pursuit of Watkins, 29, back in January. A second move for the Aston Villa man was not thought to be on the cards, though.

While Watkins was the subject of an enquiry late in the January window, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko were thought to be Arsenal's top striker targets this summer.

But a new report from Record suggests that Watkins has, in fact, come back into the picture with a move for Gyokeres now on ice.

The Portuguese outlet claims Arsenal are standing firm on Gyokeres due to Sporting Lisbon's asking price. It's said the Gunners have seen two bids rejected, the latter worth £60million, with Sporting demanding more for their star striker.

With Arsenal's hierarchy growing weary of the saga, the report goes on to add that they are now exploring deals for Sesko or Watkins, both of whom would potentially be cheaper to sign.

As an Arsenal fan, a move to The Emirates may prove hard for Watkins to resist. Speaking back in March 2020 at the London Football Awards, he admitted that playing for his boyhood club in the future would be "the dream".

"I'm an Arsenal fan and Thierry Henry was unbelievable to watch, he was my idol growing up," the versatile forward said.

Join the debate! Would you be happy with a deal for Watkins, Arsenal fans? Let us know here

He added: "That's the dream to play for Arsenal. It's a long shot. It's only because my family support them and stuff like that but that is the long term dream."

Aston Villa instead sanctioned a £70m deal with Al-Nassr for Jhon Duran, who exited Villa Park to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League outfit. However, the Colombia international could be on the move back to the Premier League just months later with a loan move mooted.

Arsenal are also in the market for a left-sided forward and a back-up goalkeeper with Kepa Arrizabalaga - available for just £5m - a target. A deal for the Real Sociedad playmaker, Martin Zubimendi, is also at an advanced stage.