Arsenal director Edu has reportedly held talks with the agent of Aston Villa striker Ollie

Watkins ahead of potential move to the Emirates in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old enjoyed his best top-flight campaign for the Second City club in terms of goals last term, managing to net 15 times in

37 Premier League appearances.

Watkins made the switch to Villa Park from Brentford in September 2020, and has since scored 47 goals in 127 matches across all

competitions for Unai Emery‘s men.

Last Thursday, the attacker participated for 29 minutes of Villa’s Europa Conference League loss to Legia Warsaw in Poland, making

his debut in European club football.

Watkins’ representatives have been in communication with Arsenal’s sports director Edu about a potential transfer to North London

in the new year, according to FootballTransfers.

The seven-time England international is currently represented by Two Touch – an agency owned by former Gunners player Paulo

Vernazza, who featured for the club during the late 1990s.

The report adds that a winter move to the Emirates for Watkins could prove to be challenging, however neither the player or Arsenal

are ruling out a switch just yet.

It is understood that Villa are very keen on committing the forward’s long-term future in the Second City and are in the process of

negotiating fresh terms with the former Exeter City man.

Watkins is reportedly demanding a new five-year deal at Villa Park, including a significant increase in pay which would see him earn

over £150,000 per week at the West Midlands side.

It is believed that the Gunners are also considering a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the January window, however it is said

that Mikel Arteta is favouring a deal for Watkins.