Aston Villa’s rivals know they are vulnerable – do not be surprised if Arsenal bid again for Ollie Watkins, writes TOM COLLOMOSSE… with three other stars also attracting interest

The timing of Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins shows that in the case of Aston Villa, football’s wealthiest clubs smell blood.

Villa are furious that the Gunners made their offer for Watkins – a boyhood Arsenal fan – a matter of hours before a crucial Champions League clash against Celtic.

It risked unsettling a key player in the build-up to a major fixture but the football world has long known Villa need to make a big sale this month, and that is why Arsenal were prepared to upset them like this.

Villa are vulnerable. It may not look that way on the surface, as they look ahead to the Champions League knockout rounds and continue to perform strongly under Unai Emery.

But without selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus last June, Villa risked a potential points deduction and meeting Premier League spending rules is likely to be a balancing act for them once again.

Arsenal knew their timing would anger Villa yet still they went ahead, and they are confident that Watkins would be keen on the move.

Arsenal tabled a bid for Ollie Watkins ahead of their Champions League clash against Celtic

Aston Villa were forced to sell Douglas Luiz to avoid a Premier League points deduction

Given Watkins’ fellow striker Jhon Duran could join Saudi club Al-Nassr in the next 24 hours, it is highly unlikely that Villa would allow their other main goalscorer to leave before the January window closes on February 3. 

Indeed, Villa do not want to sell Watkins and planned to address the matter after they had faced Celtic.

Though the possible departure of Duran for about £63million would keep the wolf from the door for the time being, the Watkins bid sends a message.

Villa’s rivals think their best players are gettable and when the market opens again at the end of the season they will be back.

Watkins would have been ideal for Arsenal, who are trying to mount a title challenge without an orthodox No 9.

The 29-year-old, who scored in the 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium earlier this month, is an excellent finisher with the pace to stretch opponents and expose deep defences.

As his battle with Duran for the centre-forward spot has shown, Watkins goes into his shell a little when he has competition for his place. He would not have that problem at Arsenal.

Do not be surprised if Arsenal bid again this month and, if they are unsuccessful, have another try in June. Morgan Rogers, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey will also be on the lists of many clubs. 

Jhon Duran could join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia for £63million before the window slams shut

Watkins has a tendency to retreat into his shell under competition for places – a problem he would not face at Arsenal

Villa shocked the league last season to finish fourth – but this term they are finding that their dreams come with a cost

With Villa’s wage bill totalling more than 90 per cent of their revenue, the books must be balanced and the easiest way to do this is to sell players.

It is easy to have sympathy with Villa. Profitability and sustainability rules are a constant battle for clubs without the money-making potential of Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal.

By finishing fourth last season, Villa gave the so-called big six a shake-up and with some luck with injuries, they could do so again this term.

Yet these dreams come at a cost. Sooner or later, clubs of Villa’s means have to rein in their ambition. Arsenal’s move for Watkins suggest Villa’s rivals believe they have hit the glass ceiling.