“Too Old or Still Gold?” – Manchester United and Arsenal Clash Over £60M Transfer Drama

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has become a hot topic this summer, as two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, Manchester United and Arsenal, consider whether he’s worth the high price tag. Both clubs are interested in strengthening their attack, but a serious concern is holding them back: Watkins is turning 30 this December. 

Watkins had an incredible run last season, scoring 16 goals in the Premier League and 27 in all competitions the year before. His consistent performances over five seasons have earned him 75 Premier League goals. Yet despite this impressive record, age and price are creating a big obstacle in transfer talks. 

Arsenal were the first to show interest. They looked at Watkins back in January, hoping to bring him in to lead their attack. But by the summer, they had a change of heart. Instead of pushing for Watkins, Arsenal moved forward with a deal for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres. They believed Gyokeres, being younger, was a better long-term option. 

One of the key decision-makers at Arsenal, sporting director Andrea Berta, wasn’t convinced Watkins was worth over £40 million. Reports from The Athletic revealed that Berta didn’t want to spend big on a player who would soon be entering his thirties. At the time, Arsenal also considered Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, both younger strikers, as potential alternatives. However, those players ended up joining other Premier League teams. 

Manchester United, on the other hand, are still interested. But they face the same problem: the price. Villa are asking for £60 million, which United consider too much. According to Mirror Football, United might offer around £40-£45 million instead. This number is higher than what Arsenal were willing to pay, but still far from Villa’s expectations. 

United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, is eager to bring in a reliable striker. He wants someone experienced to lead the front line at Old Trafford. Watkins fits that description perfectly, but only if the deal makes financial sense. 

To sweeten the deal, United have started exploring a creative solution. They’re thinking about offering a player-plus-cash deal involving Alejandro Garnacho. Villa have already worked with United before, borrowing Marcus Rashford on loan last season. With Rashford now heading to Barcelona for the coming season, Villa might be open to filling that gap with Garnacho. 

It’s a bold move, but it shows just how serious United are about signing a striker who can deliver immediately. Watkins is proven in the Premier League, and United don’t have a player who scored more than eight league goals last season. Watkins could be exactly what they need to start competing at the top again. 

As the transfer window continues, fans are watching closely. Will Villa lower their asking price? Will United raise their offer? Or will both sides move on and look elsewhere? 

Meanwhile, United are deep into their pre-season campaign in the United States. They recently defeated West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series. Amorim used the opportunity to test out different players, but he hasn’t decided on his final starting eleven for their league opener against Arsenal in mid-August. 

“We need to prepare all the players,” Amorim said after the win. “There’s not a lot of time or games to get everything ready. Things could change. You saw in the second half that some players made a strong case for the first match. But I haven’t made any final decisions yet.” 

As the clock ticks toward the new season, the question remains: Will Watkins be wearing red, United or Arsenal, or will he stay loyal to the claret and blue of Aston Villa? One thing’s clear: age, price, and timing are making this one of the trickiest transfer sagas of the summer.