David Ornstein Reveals If Arsenal Will Try to Sign Ollie Watkins This Summer

Renowned journalist David Ornstein has suggested that Arsenal’s chances of g Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer appear slim.  

After giving Manchester City a run for their money in the last two seasons, Arsenal emerged as the favourite to win the 2024-25 Premier League title.

However, thanks to Liverpool’s near-flawless run of form and Arsenal’s poor showings in front of goal, they could not emerge as the Premier League frontrunners. With only eight games left to play, the Gunners sit 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal tried to solve their goal-scoring issue in January, going full tilt to sign Watkins from Aston Villa. The saga ran until deadline day, but the Gunners ultimately failed to secure his services.

David Ornstein Gives Verdict on Arsenal Ollie Watkins Transfer Rumours

Mikel Arteta is set to go fishing once more in the summer transfer window, and the rumour-mill will undoubtedly present Watkins as a potential target. On The Athletic FC podcast, Ornstein got ahead of the matter, discussing whether Watkins’s transfer to Arsenal could materialise.

Your February Goal of the Month…

🎯 Ollie Watkins v Liverpool 🎯 pic.twitter.com/LuJfxY0Z4d

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 16, 2025

He said (via TBR):

“January saw them (Arsenal) attempt to sign Ollie Watkins. It was an opportunity presented to them potentially by Aston Villa, depending on what decision they would make on Jhon Duran.

“It didn’t work out with Arsenal. John Duran departed, and let’s see if that ship has sailed now.”

However, knowing the fickle nature of football, Ornstein cautioned against dismissing the transfer possibility altogether.

He concluded by adding:

“I think most probably (Watkins’s Arsenal transfer will not work out), but you never know in this industry.”

Watkins is reportedly a boyhood Arsenal er and would likely be open to a switch to north London. However, he feels valued at Aston Villa, and coach Unai Emery has turned the club into a solid top-four contender. So, to get their man, Arsenal must sell their project to Watkins and give Villa an offer they cannot refuse.

Watkins, 29, has played 212 games for the Villans since ing from Brentford in the summer of 2020. He has scored 84 goals for the club and provided 38 assists, emerging as Villa’s most impactful forward.