JUST IN: Arsenal are preparing to submit an audacious bid of £65M offer in an attempt to land clinical striker who made the final squad for Euro 2024

Arsenal is making a bold move to acquire England striker Ollie Watkins, who has been selected for the Euro 2024 final squad. The Gunners are preparing a £65 million offer to Aston Villa to secure the talented forward.

Watkins had an impressive season, scoring 19 goals in 37 Premier League matches, helping Aston Villa finish in fourth place and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in over 40 years. Despite Villa’s success, the chance to be the main striker for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal team is highly attractive to Watkins. His selection for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany further highlights his value.

Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, is eager to announce a major signing before the team gathers for pre-season training in July. Arteta wants Watkins to integrate into the squad during their summer tour in the United States, which includes high-profile matches against Manchester United in Los Angeles and Liverpool in Philadelphia. Additionally, the Gunners are planning a third friendly match, potentially against Bournemouth in Las Vegas.

Watkins’ journey from League Two side Exeter City to the Premier League with Aston Villa in just three years showcases his rapid rise in football. Now 28 years old, Watkins is also expected to play in England’s final Euro 2024 warm-up game against Iceland today, June 7. This will be his first major international tournament, marking a significant milestone in his career.