Man United and Arsenal set to battle for England star as record deal in final stages

Both Manchester United and Arsenal are considering a blockbuster move for an England star that could transform their season.

The 2026/27 Premier League season is rapidly approaching and with that transfer rumours across the league are starting to heat up.

With the World Cup taking place over the summer, many teams have waited until closer to the season kicking off to start pursuing their top targets, with big deals expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Among the quietest clubs in the window so far are reigning champions Arsenal, who have so far signed Illan Meslier as a backup keeper on a free deal and signed Greece forward Christos Tzolis for £34million, replacing the outgoing Leandro Trossard.

Likewise Manchester United have been relatively quiet so far this summer, despite being linked to several blockbuster players, with Karl Darlow arriving on a free transfer ahead of back-to-back midfield signings of Chelsea's Andrey Santos and Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans for a combined £85m.

However, a new report has claimed that both clubs may now be preparing to face off in a transfer battle to sign Ollie Watkins amid reports that the Aston Villa star could leave this summer.

Watkins, 30, has reportedly attracted attention from across Europe in recent weeks, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce reportedly preparing a £30million bid for the striker, who they were prepared to offer a three-year deal.

But, after it was made clear that Villa wouldn't' accept such a low-ball offer, the Turkish side decided against submitting the bid and now seem to have pulled out of the race to sign Watkins all together.

According to The Sun, this could pave the way for both Arsenal and Manchester United who are said to be monitoring Watkins’ situation ahead of proposed deals to sell their own strikers this summer.

It is widely expected that Gabriel Jesus will leave Arsenal this summer after the Brazilian made just 14 Premier League appearances last season, and Watkins is reportedly top of Mikel Arteta's list to replace him.

Meanwhile Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed during United's recent pre-season win over Rosenborg, is also expected to leave this summer with Serie A sides Juventus and Roma linked.

Should Zirkzee leave Old Trafford this summer, it could finally lead to United capitalising on their long-standing interest in Watkins having been linked with the England international several times in the past.

And, with reports claiming that Villa are looking to sign another Premier League striker this summer, it is believed that the Midlands club could entertain offers for Watkins from as little £40m.

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Aston Villa closing in on record deal for Premier League striker

So far this summer, it's fair to say that Villa have been raided by other clubs, with star players Morgan Rogers, Tielemans and Lucas Digne all securing moves elsewhere.

But Villa have also remained active in the market, signing four players with Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Modou Keba Cisse and Alejandro Garnacho joining.

And now, it's reported that they are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in what’s expected to be a club record transfer.

According to reports, Unai Emery is eager to reunite with the 25-year-old, having managed him at Villarreal, with the fee needed to secure his signature set to be over £60m.

The deal for Jackson is reportedly in the final stages and once it is completed, it is then believed that Villa would be open to letting Watkins go.