Transfer Market Bet of the Day: Ollie Watkins to Sign for Arsenal Is Thursday’s Best Long-Odds Opportunity – 17 July

As the summer market enters a decisive phase, Thursday’s most intriguing transfer longshot is Ollie Watkins joining Arsenal. Bet365 are offering a bold 20/1, and considering the Gunners’ attacking plans and Watkins’ availability amid Villa’s PSR pressures, this figure could come under pressure if developments accelerate.

⚽ Why Watkins to Arsenal Is Thursday’s Most Overlooked Transfer Angle

Arsenal’s interest in Ollie Watkins isn’t new. Mikel Arteta’s side launched a formal approach back in January, with a £40m offer knocked back by Aston Villa. But that intent hasn’t vanished.

With Viktor Gyökeres talks ongoing but not yet finalised—and Benjamin Šeško now looking likely to remain at RB Leipzig—Arsenal may revisit Watkins, who remains a viable and Premier League-proven fallback.

Crucially, Aston Villa are one of several top-flight sides working against the clock to balance books before regulatory deadlines. Watkins is under contract until 2028 but reportedly open to the move, which would bring him Champions League football and a chance to lead the line at a club he grew up supporting.

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🔁 Why Watkins Would Thrive Under Arteta at the Emirates

Ollie Watkins has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards. He netted 17 goals across all competitions last term, thriving under Unai Emery’s direct pressing system. But his movement, work ethic and finishing make him a seamless tactical fit for Arteta’s front line.

At Arsenal, Watkins would offer:

• Pace and penetration: Ideal for Arteta’s vertical transitions.
• Link-up play: Experienced in dropping deep and combining with midfield runners.
• Aerial ability: Provides an outlet on crosses and set-pieces.
• Positioning: Intelligent runs between the lines, ideal for breaking low blocks.
• Physical reliability: Rarely injured, capable of starting 35+ games per season.

For Watkins, the motivation is equally strong. He would finally step into a Champions League club, potentially as the focal point of a team built to challenge. A reunion with a club he once dreamed of playing for is more than sentiment—it’s a timely alignment of form, ambition and tactical need.odgers knows this, and Celtic fans would embrace a player who thrives on proving people wrong.

Our Best Bet

📉 Why This Is a Calculated Bet – Not Blind Optimism

Arsenal have made it clear they want one more forward to complete their summer rebuild. Watkins remains on their shortlist—and unlike some targets, he is attainable.

Consider the following:

• Villa need sales to ease PSR tension.
• Arsenal failed in January but are prepared to re-engage.
• Watkins is open to a move and reportedly willing to accept reduced terms to join a top-four club.
• The Gyökeres deal isn’t guaranteed, and Sesko is not advancing.
• Watkins offers fewer adaptation risks than foreign-based targets.

At 20/1, this represents structured value. While not guaranteed, the underlying logic justifies a long-odds play that seasoned punters will recognise as one worth considering before the market adjusts.

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🔍 Market Sentiment Could Shift Fast

The odds may be long, but they won’t stay static. Villa’s financial pressures are real—and with Arsenal actively exploring forward options, any signs of Gyökeres stalling could see them pivot quickly.

Signals worth tracking:

• Arteta still monitoring Watkins: Well-documented interest remains alive internally.
• Watkins fits FFP-savvy profile: English, in his prime, with no overseas transition curve.
• Villa willing to negotiate: Especially if player shows interest.
• Watkins reportedly ‘receptive’ to Arsenal: The player would not block a move.

This is a moment where bookmaker inertia can work in your favour. If Arsenal make contact again, the price will tighten. The opportunity lies in reading the situation early—not chasing it once the press confirms it.

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✅ Why 20/1 With Bet365 Is Thursday’s Smartest Play

This isn’t a romantic notion—it’s a sharp-value bet grounded in timing and probability. Watkins to Arsenal sits at the crossroads of club need, player readiness and market pressure.

He’s:

• Contracted but not untouchable
• Interested in a move to the Emirates
• Aligned tactically with Arsenal’s system
• Under observation from multiple clubs, but with Arteta’s side offering the best sporting step

At 20/1, this price won’t stay untouched if Arsenal’s primary targets fall through.

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💬 Steve Harrington, Premier League Analyst at BettingTips4You.com, says:

“With Villa needing sales and Arsenal still circling for a striker, Watkins is a name to watch. The price reflects uncertainty—but also the exact type of window fluidity punters can capitalise on. 20/1 won’t last once links resurface.”

👉 Scan the 20/1 quote for Watkins to join Arsenal with Bet365. This is no fantasy—it’s a chance to back an emerging story while value still exists.

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