‘This is the best place for me’ - Ollie Watkins extends Aston Villa stay amid Arsenal and Chelsea links

Aston Villa have announced that striker Ollie Watkins has signed a new long-term contract at the club.

The forward, who was handed an England recall by Gareth Southgate on Thursday, is believed to have penned a five-year deal.

It brings to a successful conclusion talks that initially began in the spring and puts the former Brentford forward on a par with Tyrone Mings, Moussa Diaby and Emiliano Martinez in terms of pay.

It should also end speculation about the 27-year-old’s future, with both Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly interested in a January move.

Watkins has scored 50 goals for Villa since joining from the Bees in 2020. The Torquay-born ace netted 15 times last season to help Villa return to Europe and is currently on seven for the 2023-24 season.

He told the club website: ‘I’m really happy.

‘I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football; I’ve still got a lot to achieve here.

‘I feel like I’ve had a really good connection with the fans since I’ve come here. From day one they’ve been really good with me; we’ve had highs and lows but that’s football.

‘You can see the direction of the club, and I want to be a part of that.’