By Gabriel Agbonlahor

5th Oct, 2023 | 5:54am

Aston Villa expert suggests reason for Ollie Watkins contract delay - 'Arsenal would love him'

Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested the delay in tying Ollie Watkins down to a new Aston Villa contract could come down to finances.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, urged his old side to reach an agreement with the 27-year-old as “the likes of Arsenal would love to have him”.

Watkins scored a hattrick and bagged two assists as Aston Villa ran out 6-1 winners against Brighton on Saturday (30 September), but his contract situation remains unresolved.

Football Insider revealed last week (25 September) that the club are keen to reward their talisman with a bumper new deal.

His current terms are set to expire in June 2025, and the player has been coy about his future – claiming he will let his “football do the talking”.

Sources have also told Football Insider (27 September) that multiple clubs are monitoring Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa as his contract runs down.

The England international has notched seven goals and three assists in all competitions so far this season.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It might be finances, the reason for the delay.

“He might feel he deserves a certain amount, he might feel unhappy with what Villa are offering.

“There’s a lot that goes into the contract negotiations. This could be his last big contract at his age, you don’t know.

“I do think that Villa need to get it sorted because he’d be worth every penny. He’s a top striker.

“He’s reliable, and you know he’s always going to come up with the goods.

“But it’s a negotiation and I’m sure they’ll come to the right decision. The club know there will be many takers for a player like Watkins if there’s no agreement.

“I’m sure the likes of Arsenal would love to have him and give him the money he wants.”

In other news, Aston Villa looking for exit route in £4m+ deal.