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Ollie Watkins shows true Arsenal colours during Aston Villa celebrations amid transfer 'dream'

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring his team's 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on April 14, 2024 in London, England.
Arsenal have been told to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer -Credit:(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)


Arsenal's Premier League title hopes were squashed on Tuesday night as Manchester City moved to the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Tottenham.

Erling Haaland scored twice for the reigning champions to put them in pole position to win a historic fourth straight Premier League on Sunday. The Gunners are not mathematically out of it, needing a West Ham win at the Etihad Stadium and victory themselves against Everton.

The result did, however, guarantee Champions League football for Aston Villa next season. Spurs needed to win their remaining two games to be within a chance of a top-four place but they will have to settle for the Europa League.

City's memorable win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sparked wild scenes at Villa Park during their end of season awards. Unai Emery and his players were together to celebrate reaching the prestigious competition, though there was one noticeable player who didn't seem as happy.

Striker Ollie Watkins has scored 19 times in the Premier League and assisted a further 13 to help Villa to the top four. However, the England international was pictured looking down after City's win.

Watkins admitted his Gunners fandom after scoring against them earlier this season. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I used to [support Arsenal]. I grew up supporting Arsenal but it's a different story now playing against them. Not too much to say really."

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Back in 2020, Watkins expressed his dream to play for the club one day. "That's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day, But, you know, it's a long shot," Watkins confessed.

"I'm an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he's unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really."

Watkins has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past 18 months. Mikel Arteta's side are expected to be in the market for a striker in the summer, though Watkins isn't expected to move in this window.

The 28-year-old signed a new deal at Villa Park in October meaning a move any time soon remains unlikely for now.