CM.it: Milan enter race for Aston Villa star Watkins despite daunting obstacles

AC Milan are ion the market for a new centre-forward and they are lining up an ambitious move for Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, according to a report.

At 28 years old, Watkins is enjoying the best season of his career and is showing himself to be among the best in the Premier League. With 19 goals and 12 assists to his name, he is the player who has contributed to the most goals in the entire division.

Aston Villa took steps towards trying to secure his long-term future last October as he signed a contract renewal until 2028, but this was not enough to extinguish the rumours about a potential big money move in the summer.

According to Calciomercato.it, Milan are in the race for Watkinson. The Rossoneri are looking for Olivier Giroud’s replacement and believe the Englishman would be an ideal profile, but the asking price of €80m (€100m+ for fellow English clubs) is a big obstacle.

The feeling is that the asking price can only be met with the sale of Rafael Leao for a sum close to the release clause set at €150m, even if Sky reported earlier today that he wants to stay and there are no plans to cash in.

Then there is competition from the Gunners and other English clubs to deal with, while Roma also made an enquiry. Another hurdle is Watkins’ desire to play the Champions League with Villa under Unai Emery, which looks more and more likely.

Watkins is just one of the options that Milan are exploring to strengthen the attacking department. Much will also depend on who will be the next coach of the Rossoneri, while names like Viktor Gyokeres and Santiago Gimenez also remain alive.