How Ollie Watkins feels about leaving Aston Villa for Arsenal as Gunners prepare another bid

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Although Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new striker this month, few would have imagined that their pursuit would lead to a bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Most would consider Watkins off-limits at Villa, a player who is integral to Unai Emery’s entire project, however, Arsenal are keen to continue to test their rival’s reserve.

After news of a failed bid for the striker broke on Wednesday, Arsenal are preparing a second bid for Watkins.

Villa are expected to reject that approach, especially given that Jhon Duran is set to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Emery appeared to send a clear message to Arsenal about Watkins after Villa’s win against Celtic in the Champions League, but those words don’t seem resonating in north London, given the Gunners’ plans for another approach.

Ollie Watkins is ready to start a new challenge with Arsenal

All that considered, Team News and Ticks, who are often in-the-know regarding all things Arsenal, have reported that Watkins would definitely be receptive to joining up with Mikel Arteta’s side.

The report seems to confirm Arsenal’s belief, which TBR exclusively revealed, that Watkins does ultimately want to end up at the Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: Thierry Henry has already delivered Ollie Watkins verdict amid Arsenal bid for Aston Villa star

According to TNATS’ information, Watkins is said to ‘really want the move’ to Arsenal, a club he famously once said that he dreamed of playing for.

Of course, Watkins has always been a classy character and he showed his professionalism for Villa against Celtic, running his socks off at Villa Park despite all the speculation around his future.

As far as Villa and Emery are concerned, Watkins is going nowhere, but the saga might be a little bit more distracting for the striker, especially if he has his mind set on a move to N5.

Aston Villa will never sell Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran in the same window

Of course, some Arsenal fans have jokingly suggested that their club are bidding for Watkins simply so he stops scoring against them.

Watkins has a phenomenal record against Arsenal and has scored six goals in 11 games against the Gunners.

One of those strikes obviously came this season at the Emirates just under two weeks ago in a 2-2 draw in north London.

With all considered, it still seems very unlikely that Watkins will be wearing red on Tuesday once the transfer deadline has passed, but personal terms shouldn’t be an issue with the striker were a bid accepted.

However, it seems almost impossible that Villa would sell both Duran and Watkins in one window, regardless of what bids continue to arrive from Arsenal.