Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins are finalising phrases over a brand new contract following the striker’s sensational run of kind, 90min understands.
The England worldwide has developed into one of many Premier League’s main marksmen in latest months and has regarded fully rejuvenated beneath Unai Emery in the course of the second half of this season.
With Aston Villa now pushing for a European place, they need to tie down Watkins for his prime years, and sources have confirmed to 90min that an settlement over a brand new contract is shut.
Watkins signed a five-year deal upon signing from Brentford in 2020 for a payment that would attain £33m.
The likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with the 27-year-old, however he’s very blissful at Aston Villa and can quickly affirm his dedication to them with a brand new contract.
Watkins has gone from strength-to-strength since making his Premier League debut, registering double figures of targets in every of his three seasons within the prime flight.
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Emery lately spoke of his love for Watkins in a latest press convention, revealing: “The striker is essential to me. I spoke with [Watkins] originally [of my time here] concerning the relationship. I advised him I need one of the best of you and the best way he’s doing – practising, being humble to enhance – that is the best way.
“Then, he has an enormous profession in his future. It is essential as properly to try to discuss different gamers as a result of he isn’t going to attain if his teammates aren’t serving to him to do it. For us, Ollie Watkins is essential. He is not solely scoring however his dedication daily, making an attempt so as to add extra work, watching his clips.
“He is the primary defence in our thought, making an attempt to be constant. He is working very properly with the excessive urgent. He is making an attempt to battle with the defenders. He is scoring and he is including the very best quality as a striker – the purpose.”
Watkins has been on a tear in 2023 and is unquestionably on the forefront of Gareth Southgate’s pondering as soon as once more.
No Premier League participant has scored extra targets this calendar 12 months to this point, firing Aston Villa into European competition heading into the ultimate stretch of the season.
Participant
Staff
Video games
Targets
Assists
Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa
15
11
3
Erling Haaland
Man Metropolis
13
11
2
Harry Kane
Tottenham
15
10
1
Marcus Rashford
Man Utd
13
9
1
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal
15
7
3
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
15
6
4
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
13
6
3
Brennan Johnson
Nottingham Forest
15
6
2
Ivan Toney
Brentford
13
6
1
Alexander Isak
Newcastle
11
6
0
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