Aston Villa Reject Manchester United’s Approach for Ollie Watkins Amid Summer Transfer Window Push

KEY POINTS

• Manchester United met Aston Villa to sign Ollie Watkins during the open of 2025 summer transfer window.

• Aston Villa immediately turned down the offer, declaring that Watkins is not for sale.

• Contributing 75 goals and 34 assists in 184 Premier League appearances, Watkins has been a outstanding player for Villa.

• Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim is focused on signing a reliable No. 9 striker before the transfer window shuts.

• Although United spent £133.5m to sign Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Manager Ruben Amorim still seek for more Premier League-proven firepower.

• Villa had already rejected a £60m bid from Arsenal for Watkins back in January.

• Manager Unai Emery values Watkins highly, describing him as a dedicated, hard-working and mentally strong team leader.

• Watkins remains contracted at Villa until 2028, Villa are firmly in control of his future.

• Manchester United also tried to secure goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on, which Villa also rejected but may reconsider if their £40m asking price is met.

Aston Villa wasted no time in rejecting Manchester United’s approach for striker Ollie Watkins. As per The Telegraph, Villa have made it crystal clear to Red Devils that Watkins is not for sale at any price, effectively putting an end to United’s hopes of landing the 29-year-old forward during the current summer transfer window.

Five years after joining Villa from Brentford in a £33 million deal, Ollie Watkins has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. The England international has racked up 75 goals and assisted 34 times in 184 league appearances, attracting interest from elite clubs.  Arsenal reportedly had a £60 million bid rejected in January, and now Manchester United has joined the race.

Driven by manager Ruben Amorim’s desires to sign a proven No. 9, Manchester United viewed Watkins as a perfect fit. Even after securing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a combined £133.5 million, United is still actively searching for elite and premier league proven attacking option.

His contract runs until 2028, however, Villa stand firm that Watkins isn’t going anywhere. And the striker has attracted admiration from manager Unai Emery, adoring his mentality, dedication, and leadership both on and off the pitch.

“What defines him above the rest is his mentality. He brings all-out commitment, he works hard every single day and makes an impact even when he doesn’t score.” Unai Emery stated about Watkins’ relentless work ethic in a March interview with TNT Sports.

Earlier in the transfer window, Manchester United also tried to secure Emiliano Martinez on loan, but Aston Villa turned down the offer. Unlike Watkins, Martinez’s future remains flexible but only if their £40 million asking price is met.

For now, Villa appears intent to hold on to their key players as they prepare for another challenging  Premier League campaign.