Arsenal have been given a boost in their hopes of luring Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

The England international is emerging as a surprise forward target for the Gunners in the summer transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Villa are ready to listen to offers for Watkins, as manager Steven Gerrard is not his biggest fan.

If Villa show an inclination to sell, Arsenal will put in a bid, as their coach Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Watkins.

The forward has been with Villa since the summer of 2020, when he signed from Brentford for £28 million plus £5 million add-ons.