Ollie Watkins to Arsenal popped up as a surprise piece of transfer news as we are approaching the end of the January transfer window. The Gunners have suffered in front of the goal this season, and injuries to key forwards have worsen the situation. To keep their Premier League and Champions League title charges going, Arsenal have turned to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to replenish their front line. Here’s what we know about the potential transfer.
Ollie Watkins to Arsenal: Developments So Far
Aston Villa have turned down Arsenal’s surprise £60m bid fortheir front-man Watkins. Mikel Arteta’s North London side submitted an initial bid for the 29-year-old England international, but Aston Villa swiftly rejected the offer.
Reports suggest that Arsenal may make a higher offer, although Villa are hesitant to sell, particularly with the potential £77m move of fellow forward Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr reportedly on the verge of completion.
With 11 goals in 32 matches this season, Watkins remains an essential figure for Villa manager Unai Emery. The striker’s contract, which runs through 2027, provides Villa with a stronger negotiating position.
Watkins netted his first Champions League goal for Villa in their 4-2 win over Celtic. The Villans confirmed their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with the victory.
Watkins has publicly expressed his admiration for Arsenal in the past. But, at this moment of the season, a deal appears unlikely.
Villa have already let go of Watkins’ attacking partner Duran. With only a few days left of the window, it would be difficult for Villa to find a replacement, even if Arsenal put an outrageous amount of money on the table.
Watkins Hints at Future Amid Arsenal Talks
After scoring in Aston Villa’s 4–2 Champions League victory over Celtic on Wednesday, Ollie Watkins made a meaningful gesture by tapping the Villa badge in front of the Holte End.
Villa fans in the stadium and across social media were excited to see the celebration. The majority interpreted it as a sign that he’s committed to staying.
After the victory, Watkins posted on Instagram to express his joy. “Buzzing to qualify in top 8 of the UCL,” he wrote. “Special night for this special club. (Groundsman is getting the sack laughing face).”
Villa fans filled the comments section, pleading with the England international to stay at Villa Park, while a number of Arsenal supporters also chimed in.
Are Aresnal Looking At More FForwards?
There have been reports linking Arsenal and Benjamin Sesko since the January transfer window opened. However, RB Leipzig have made it clear that they are not ready to let go of their marquee striker halfway through the season.
The Gunners may turn their attention to Mathys Tel, with the Bayern Munich star hinting that Wednesday’s game could have been his last for the club. The 19-year-old confessed he doesn’t know if he’ll play again under Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal currently don’t have a specialised striker after Gabriel Jesus picked up an unfortunate injury earlier this month. Kai Havertz has been operating as the number nine, but he is not a striker by trade. So, even if Arsenal fail to bring in someone this month, it looks obvious that they will splash the cash on a new attacker come summer.
