Man Utd could profit from Arsenal's reason for not signing Ollie Watkins

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal made a £50million offer for during the January transfer window

Arsenal's failure to sign Ollie Watkins could come back to haunt them after Manchester United made contact with Aston Villa to discuss a move. Watkins, 29, has been added to the Red Devils' shortlist as manager Ruben Amorim looks to bring in new striker.

United's list of options already includes Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, both of whom have interest from elsewhere. The Red Devils are focussing on their attack in the summer transfer window, having spent £62.5million to sign Matheus Cunha last month and bidding up to £63m for Bryan Mbeumo.

To fund their business, Amorim would be willing to part ways with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho. United's talks to sign Watkins began through Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa.

The Athletic report that ahead of Rashford's move to Villa Park, talks took place regarding a potential swap deal involving Watkins. Now contact has been made to explore the conditions of a separate deal after Villa - who remain at risk of breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules - confirmed that Rashford's loan wouldn't be made permanent.

Had Arsenal been successful in their pursuit, though, Watkins wouldn't be on the market. The Gunners made a bid for the England international, who Villa were willing to let go while fellow striker Jhon Duran was still at the club.

But Arsenal's £50m offer was rejected and Duran was the one to be sold, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. Speaking in April, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher revealed the reason why Watkins didn't sign for Arsenal.

"When we talk about Arsenal going for Ollie Watkins, someone told me that Aston Villa offered him to Arsenal," Carragher said on The Overlap podcast. "I know that. I don't think it was Arsenal phoning Villa saying they want to sign him.

"Arsenal didn't sign him because they didn't offer a lot of money. They offered around £50m. However, this is the information I had. If I know that then I'm sure his agent knows that.

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"Villa have spent a lot of money, and they need to get something back. In an ideal world, you probably would sell Ollie Watkins and keep Jhon Duran because he is the younger player - he is only 21."

Arsenal are no longer focussed on Watkins, with Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko emerging as their top striker targets. United could therefore have a free run at the 29-year-old, who Villa could demand less for amid their concerning financial predicament.