Arsenal plotting surprise move for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as striker's 'dream' destination revealed

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, according to the latest reports.

Just three points separate league leaders Arsenal and Manchester City as the pair go head-to-head in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners will hope they can fend off Pep Guardiola's side and lift the trophy for the first time in almost 20 years.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is already planning for next season, with a busy European schedule on the horizon.

The Spaniard is allegedly keen to bolster his attacking options, and Watkins has emerged as a possible summer addition.

Arsenal tracking Watkins

Football Insider have claimed that Premier League clubs are monitoring Watkins' situation as the 27-year-old opens contract talks with Villa.

The publication states that Arsenal held a previous interest in the Englishman and will continue to keep tabs on him throughout contract negotiations.

Watkins is reportedly set to sign a new bumper contract which could take him over the £100,000-a-week threshold.

The forward is currently thought to earn £75,000-a-week, with the deal set to run until June 2025. But Unai Emery is keen to reward him with fresh terms and tie him down to a new deal at Villa Park.

While there is no suggestion that he will not extend his stay in the East Midlands, Watkins' could be tempted with a move elsewhere should an offer come in.

And the Gunners may have the upper hand over any competition, after Watkins revealed the Emirates would be his 'dream' destination.

"Yeah, that's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day," Watkins said in 2020, whilst playing for Brentford

Watkins continued his fine goalscoring form against Newcastle on Saturday, scoring twice in a 3-0 win to go sixth in the Premier League table.

The brace took his tally to 14 goals in the league this season, with only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford having scored more in the division.