Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were on the pitch as Ollie Watkins netted a last-minute winner to send England to the Euro 2024 final.
The Aston Villa striker came off the bench to replace Harry Kane, and powered a finish into the bottom left corner just as the clock hit 90 minutes to send England to the final.
Watkins is a player Arsenal are very familiar with. The striker has been linked with Mikel Arteta’s side in the past, and he also scored a vital goal in a Villa victory at the Emirates last season, which ended up costing Arsenal the title as Manchester City edged over the line.
The 28-year-old has written himself into English football history, as he sent his Nation to their first-ever final on foreign soil, with England set to face Spain in Berlin.
Whilst he did break Arsenal hearts earlier this season, Watkins may have also been slightly disheartened. The attacker is an Arsenal fan, and he previously admitted that it would be a dream to play for the Gunners.
England Euro 2024 hero Ollie Watkins is an Arsenal fan
Speaking at the London Football Awards in 2020, at which point he was a Brentford striker in the Championship, Watkins revealed that it was his lifelong dream to play for Arsenal.
“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot,” he stated.
“I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he’s unbelievable to watch.”
“He was the idol growing up really.”
Ollie Watkins looks unlikely to fulfil Arsenal dream
Bukayo Saka, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins of England react during a training session at Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land on July 03, 2024 in Bla…
The Aston Villa star just enjoyed an incredible campaign as he helped Unai Emery’s side finish in the top four. He scored 19 Premier League goals, and provided 13 assists, as one of the standout attackers in England.
Arsenal are in the market for an attacker, and Watkins would be a good fit on paper, given his speed and deadly finishing ability.
However, reports suggest that Arsenal are keen on adding a younger, more versatile forward to their squad. Even if Mikel Arteta was keen on signing Watkins, it may not be possible.
Villa are highly unlikely to even consider selling their star man to Arsenal, and at 28, he may not fit the age profile that Arteta is looking for. Although he could fulfil his dream at the Emirates, Watkins appears pretty content with the progress he has made in his career elsewhere.