Chelsea & Arsenal suffer blow as striker signs new contract

Chelsea and Arsenal have been handed a huge blow with Ollie Watkins putting pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract at Aston Villa.

The Englishman is currently one of the best strikers in the Premier League. He has been in fine form this term with seven goals and three assists from 12 games.

Recent reports claimed that Chelsea and Arsenal could approach to sign him in January, but that looks unlikely now after he committed to a new deal until June 2028.

Villa have made huge progress under the tutelage of Unai Emery and they are currently just one point behind Liverpool, who are placed fourth in the league table.

Watkins was contemplating an exit last year, but his stance seems to have changed with the club's upturn in league form under Emery.

The west Midlands outfit were battling relegation when he was appointed last season. They ended up finishing seventh in the table.

The club will be aiming to go higher this campaign. They have a realistic chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.