Source: 'Huge' Aston Villa update emerges before Southampton on Steven Gerrard regular – report

Arsenal have been handed a ‘huge’ boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, Football Insider report.

The 26-year-old has been a regular under Steven Gerrard since November, missing just one of the last 14 Premier League games.

He recently netted his first Premier League goal in 2022 at the seventh attempt, helping Villa to a much-needed 2-0 win at Brighton last weekend.

Villa also have Danny Ings on the books in the Midlands as a senior attacking option, and it seems as if Watkins could be on the move in the summer.

Football Insider shared a story regarding Watkins on Thursday morning ahead of Villa’s match with Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

They were informed by a recruitment source that Gerrard is unconvinced on Watkins, and, as a result, the club will listen to offers for the player in the summer. That has been described as a ‘huge’ boost for the Gunners, who have the England international on their shortlist.

Watkins hasn’t lived up to the heights of his first campaign as a Villa player, netting six times in 22 appearances compared to 14 in 37 in 2020/21.

He has seemed to struggle under Gerrard, especially in 2022, but it is still interesting that the club are willing to move him on after just two years.

You’d expect Gerrard may have someone specific in mind to come in if this is truly the case, as he looks to put his mark on the squad ahead of a first full season in charge.

In other news: Lange plots revenge on Tottenham as Villa now make pre-contract move for ‘extraordinary’ player. 

Source