The Italian media today shares some surprising news on a chase for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins.
According to CalcioMercato.it, AC Milan are interested in signing the 28-year-old this summer. The Rossoneri are said to be looking for a replacement for Olivier Giroud, and now have the Englishman as a target.
The big problem is the cost for this operation. It’s said Aston Villa would demand at least €80m to send Watkins abroad, while it’d take Premier League clubs over €100m to sign him.
Milan would obviously struggle to afford such a transfer, and only the sale of Rafael Leão this summer could make such a signing affordable for the Rossoneri.
CalcioMercato also points out the big competition there is for Watkins, claiming that Arsenal and other English clubs are interested in him as well. Roma reportedly made contact, but are considered to be in the ‘second row’ for the signing.
What must be pointed out is that all this race for Watkins should make him even more expensive. He has 26 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances this season, and it would be no surprise to see Aston Villa demanding more than that €80m for his sale. And it seems hard to imagine AC Milan spending that much on a signing.