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'Money talks' - Former Aston Villa man on club's 'big decision' on Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring
-Credit:Getty Images


Stephen Warnock says Aston Villa must make a "big decision" on Ollie Watkins' future after a shock £60m bid from Arsenal.

The striker has emerged as a top target for the Gunners going into the last few days of the January transfer window. It comes after long-term injuries to forwards Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in the summer of 2020. He has gone on to score 69 goals and is only six away from becoming their all-time Premier League top scorer, currently held by Gabby Agbonlahor.

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Villa are understood to be furious with the timing of the news being leaked, on the night of their Champion's League clash against Celtic on Wednesday. Watkins scored in the huge 4-2 win to secure their place in the last 16.

Villa have outright rejected Arsenal's big money offer for the Englishman. An improved offer is expected to be tabled before the deadline.

Warnock told BBC Match of the Day: "Money talks. If Arsenal up their bid, you might see some wheeling and dealing.

"I don't think you would want to lose Watkins. He is the focal point of attack, but are you going to get that money again for a 29-year-old?

"That's a business decision then and that's when it becomes difficult. PSR has changed everything, it is a bigger decision now."