West Ham preparing move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins

The Hammers need to strengthen their attack this summer.

Reports in the British media claim that West Ham are preparing move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa spent 34 million euros to sign the England international from Brentford in the summer of 2020. He has three years left on his current contract which expires in 2025.

The striker banged in 10 goals and provided one assist in 33 matches this season across all fronts showcasing just how influential he has been in the final third.

He is considered to be one of the best strikers in England. Watkins has also left his mark at the international stage after netting two goals in 7 senior appearances for the England national team.

His performances have seen him become the target of many European clubs including West Ham.

The Hammers are looking to sign a striker and have identified the 26-year-old as potential transfer target. Moyes is a firm fan of Aston Villa striker and West Ham could make a move for the player if the financial aspect makes sense.

The former Brentford man is a traditional number nine, having all types of finishes in his locker. His finishing abilities when in and around the box will come as a massive asset to David Moyes’ side.

According to the report, “West Ham United are showing serious interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The Hammers are very eager to recruit a top class forward for manager David Moyes this summer. With Michail Antonio’s form indifferent in recent months, and no suitable backup in the squad, West Ham are prepared to spend big on a forward. According to The Guardian, Watkins has emerged as a serious option this summer. The 26-year-old has netted 11 goals this term, and West Ham will put in a significant bid to see if Villa are willing to sell. Reports in the British media have previously indicated that manager Steven Gerrard is willing to part with Watkins, but only if he gets roughly £50 million as a transfer fee to reinvest in other areas of the squad.”

Euro Football Rumours

West Ham will have to present a really enticing offer to bring Aston Villa to the negotiating table. The Hammers have the resources to tempt them but it will be interesting to see if they are willing to overpay for the player.

Aston Villa would be wise to keep the England international, but if they do let him go expect it to be for a hefty sum.

Good signing for West Ham?

Ollie Watkins stands as an excellent option for West Ham.

A striker of Watkins’ ceiling will be a massive addition to West Ham squad as he will not only improve the overall quality of David Moyes’ starting XI but also add some stability and variety to his attacking department.

It will be interesting to see whether West Ham will make their move during the summer transfer window.

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Should West Ham sign Ollie Watkins?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.