Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa striker, appears set to be one of the most prominent names in the current summer transfer window, with close monitoring of his situation by the two English Premier League giants, Manchester United and Arsenal, alongside widespread interest from several English and European clubs in the 30-year-old player.

According to British newspaper The Sun, Aston Villa have already thwarted an ambitious move from Turkish club Fenerbahçe, which was preparing to submit a £30 million (€35 million) offer to sign the English international striker; the English club made it unequivocally clear that they would not accept letting the player go, thereby nipping negotiations in the bud.

The Turkish giants were hoping to tempt Watkins with a three-year contract worth between £7.5 million and £8.5 million annually.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have shown serious interest in signing Watkins amid growing reports about the potential departure of their Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus; this has prompted manager Mikel Arteta to look for alternative attacking options, putting the Aston Villa striker at the top of the Gunners' wish list.

For their part, Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation but with a different perspective; the possibility of Joshua Zirkzee moving to the Italian league is pushing the Red Devils to explore new options in attack. Should the Dutch striker move to Juventus or Roma, United are expected to make a formal offer for Watkins.

Aston Villa's financial situation could play a decisive role in determining the player's future next season; sources indicate that the club may consider accepting offers around £40 million, at a time when the financial strength of Premier League clubs stands out as a key factor that could break Aston Villa's resolve to keep their star.