'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Man Utd and Arsenal in £40m Ollie Watkins transfer battle with 'official approach' anticipated
Jul 24 2026 22:48 · By Matty Hewitt,Senior Sport Central Audience Writer · 3 Reads
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring developments regarding Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after the Europa League winners turned down an approach from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The Turkish side are said to have been plotting a £35m bid for the England international, only for Villa to make it clear they wouldn't accept the bid.
The Sun claims several clubs in England and in Europe are keen on signing Watkins this summer. Fenerbahce had been hoping to offer the 30-year-old a contract of £7.5m and £8.5m per year over a three-year deal.
Although Villa clearly outlined their stance to the Turkish side, Arsenal and United are interested in signing Watkins as they look to freshen up their attack, and £40m could be enough to lure Villa into talks.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Arsenal are expected to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer, with the Brazilian forward attracting interest from Serie A side AC Milan and the Gunners reportedly view Watkins as an ideal replacement.
As for United, Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a return to Italy, with Juventus keen on signing the former Bologna striker, having impressed in the Serie A before his move to Old Trafford.
Reports earlier this week claimed the Dutch international had given Juventus his seal of approval ahead of a transfer talks with United, but as things stand, there have been no club-to-club talks.
AS Roma are also said to be keen on signing Zirkzee this summer, and if United do offload the 25-year-old, The Sun suggest Michael Carrick's side would then be expected to make an official approach for Watkins.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Villa are in a tricky financial situation this summer, knowing they need to sell players in order to comply with UEFA rules.
United took advantage of a £35m release clause in Youri Tielemans' Villa contract to sign the Belgian international, while PSG are in talks to re-sign Lucas Digne.
Villa are set to bring in a reported £45m from those two transfers, but have signed Swiss star Johan Manzambi for a similar fee.
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.