**Arsenal and Tottenham Wanted Aston Villa Star This Summer – But Transfe Now Firmly Off the Table**
**LONDON –** Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both suffered a major blow in the summer transfer window, as one of their top shared targets from Aston Villa is no longer available. Despite heavy interest from both North London clubs in recent weeks, Villa have firmly shut the door on any possible exit for their star man, signalling a clear message about their ambitions for the upcoming season.
### Transfer Off the Table
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Aston Villa have made a decisive call to keep their influential player – widely believed to be England international striker **Ollie Watkins** – amid mounting speculation linking him with a high-profile move. Both Arsenal and Tottenham had identified Watkins as a key attacking reinforcement, with talks believed to have advanced internally within both clubs. However, Villa’s stance is now unambiguous: the striker is **not for sale**.
Club officials have reportedly communicated this decision directly to intermediaries and the player’s representatives, ensuring that Watkins remains central to manager **Unai Emery’s** plans for the 2025/26 campaign.
### Why the Interest?
Watkins, 29, has enjoyed a stellar rise at Villa Park since arriving from Brentford. His work rate, movement, link-up play, and increasingly consistent finishing have made him one of the Premier League’s most complete forwards. Last season, he was crucial in Villa’s push to secure a Champions League spot, netting **19 goals and providing 12 assists** across all competitions.
Arsenal were reportedly interested in Watkins as a more dynamic and physical alternative to Gabriel Jesus, while Tottenham viewed him as a long-term successor to Harry Kane’s legacy, particularly given Richarlison’s inconsistency in front of goal.
### Villa’s Unshakable Position
The Villans are said to have no financial incentive to sell Watkins, especially after securing Champions League football and receiving a significant financial boost from UEFA and commercial sponsors. The club sees Watkins as a cornerstone of their project under Emery, who is aiming to build on last season’s impressive domestic and European runs.
“We are building, not selling,” said a source close to Villa’s management. “Unai Emery has been clear from day one that keeping the spine of this team intact is non-negotiable. Watkins is untouchable.”
### ✍️ Contract Security
Another major factor working in Villa’s favor is Watkins’ contract. He signed a new long-term deal in late 2024, believed to run until 2028, giving the club significant leverage over any negotiations. The new deal reportedly includes no release clause, and the striker is understood to be happy with his role at the club and Emery’s tactical vision.
### ⚖️ What It Means for Arsenal and Spurs
Both Arsenal and Spurs will now need to turn to alternative targets in the striker market. Arsenal are thought to be monitoring **Benjamin Šeško**, **Joshua Zirkzee**, and **Dusan Vlahović**, while Spurs may reignite interest in **Ivan Toney** or explore options abroad, including RB Leipzig’s **Loïs Openda**.
For both clubs, missing out on Watkins is a blow not just in terms of talent, but also because he is a proven Premier League player with no adaptation period needed – a rare commodity in the current market.
### Watkins Focused on Villa Future
Watkins himself has remained relatively quiet during the saga, but sources close to the player suggest he is fully focused on helping Villa navigate their first Champions League campaign in decades. He is believed to have held private discussions with Emery earlier this month, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
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**Conclusion:**
Arsenal and Tottenham’s hopes of landing Ollie Watkins have been dashed as Aston Villa take a firm stand. With a new contract, Champions League football, and a manager who views him as irreplaceable, the striker’s future lies firmly in Birmingham – and North London rivals will now have to look elsewhere.
