Where will Ollie Watkins go next?

Given the culmination of this year’s European Championship and Copa America, the attention is now very much on the start of the 2024/25 domestic season.

With the transfer window still wide open, teams will be looking to do business to improve their squads, with some players attracting the interest of clubs looking to strengthen ahead of the first game week.

One of those is current Aston Villa and England striker, Ollie Watkins. He netted a memorable 90th-minute goal in the semi-final clash against Netherlands, a brilliant finish from a tight angle that sent the country into pandemonium. Unfortunately, England couldn’t bring it home, but Watkins is one of the players that can leave Germany happy with his performance, with several clubs vying for the Villa man’s signature.

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Liverpool – 5/1

Leading the market for Watkins’ signature are Liverpool. Following the departure of Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s squad will be undergoing changes to fit with the style of new manager, Arne Slot. One position of interest this summer will be that of the number nine, where Liverpool already have an option in Darwin Núñez, but could look to bolster their attack with a new signing.

However, it’s fair to say that the big money move for the Uruguayan forward hasn’t been entirely a success so far and a move away from Anfield isn’t out of the question, with several clubs interested in Núñez. Regardless of whether he was to leave or not, Liverpool can still look at strengthening this position and Watkins seems like one of the best options after the year that he’s had. Scoring the most goals and assists combined in the Premier League last season, he has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League and was a massive part in leading Villa to Champions League qualification. He is however tied down until 2028 at Villa Park, and there’s no indication that he wants out, so it would have to be a big offer to tempt him away.

Arsenal – 6/1

Arsenal are next in the market to sign Watkins. For the second year running, Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League, coming close and just falling short to Manchester City, with the 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa the point where City assumed control at the top of the table. It was Watkins’ goal that sealed the tie, making it 2-0 late on, spoiling Arsenal’s title hopes in the process. The Gunners are well set this year to go and challenge again, but will be looking to strengthen in order to meet the level of City. One area they will be looking at is the striker position, where they currently don’t have a recognised centre forward.

This caused them to try several different players up top which didn’t suit, affecting the output of the team and meaning that the scoring had to be shared across all the forwards. In Watkins, they would have a goalscorer with a proven track record who will add what Arsenal were missing last season, and he could be the difference for the Gunners as they head into their domestic campaign.

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