GMS: Manchester United and Arsenal have contacted Watkins, Villa is estimated to be £60m

July 4th According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United and Arsenal are competing for Aston Villa forward Watkins. Both clubs contacted Watkins through intermediaries, hoping to sign the England striker.

Manchester United have signed Cunha and are still interested in Brentford's Mbemo. Arteta's team has not yet introduced new forwards this summer, but they are closely connected with players such as Cesco, Yorke, Eze and Rodrigo. Although United have recently re-engagen with Watkins, this is not the first time they have discussed the England international this summer, according to GMS sources.

Watkins' name was already mentioned earlier when Aston Villa decided whether to exercise Rashford's buyout option. However, Rashford is more inclined to participate in the Champions League and hopes to join Barcelona and partner with Yamal. GMS sources believe that Manchester United is still focused on signing Brentford's Mbemo and solving Hoylen's future problems before officially pursuing the new No. 9 player. Watkins is one of several options they consider. Ekitic of Frankfurt, Sesco of Leipzig, and Mitrovic were also discussed internally. United have also had contacts with former Villa forward John Duran, but after he returned from loan from Saudi Arabia, United were reluctant to pay his salary in full, especially for a player who is uncertain whether it is suitable for the team.

Arsenal's latest contact came six months ago when they offered £40 million for Watkins was rejected. Villa had no intention of selling the England striker at the time, while Arteta hoped to introduce a new striker for the second half of the 2024-25 season. Like Manchester United, Arsenal is currently prioritizing other transfer targets such as Cesco and Yorke and is trying to sign one of them for €70 million. But if these deals don't make progress, they may reconsider Watkins later in the transfer window.

According to GMS sources, Villa estimates their center at £60 million, which is still applicable, and the player still has a three-year contract with the club.