Arsenal Football Club is reportedly making a bold move to secure the services of striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa as the January transfer window approaches its conclusion. According to talkSPORT, the Gunners have initiated discussions regarding a potential transfer, although their initial overture has been rebuffed by Villa.
While the specifics of Arsenal's first bid remain under wraps, sources indicate that the club is preparing to submit a revised offer that could soar to £60 million. It has been noted that Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, would be amenable to a transfer should the two clubs reach an agreement on the fee.
Aston Villa's management is said to be frustrated by the timing of Arsenal's interest, particularly as they gear up for an important Champions League fixture against Celtic. The club had not anticipated Watkins’ departure during this transfer window and now faces the dual challenge of retaining him alongside fellow striker Jhon Duran, who is also attracting attention from clubs in Saudi Arabia. The urgency of these negotiations is compounded by the impending closure of the Premier League transfer window at 11pm on Monday.
Since joining Aston Villa in 2020, Watkins has established himself as a pivotal figure within the squad. He is currently contracted for over three more years, having signed an extension in October 2023 that includes an option for an additional year, potentially keeping him at Villa Park until the summer of 2029. This season, he has made a significant impact, netting ten goals and providing five assists in 23 league appearances.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with considerable challenges in the centre-forward position, particularly following Gabriel Jesus's anterior cruciate ligament injury, which has sidelined him for the remainder of the season. With Jesus unavailable, Kai Havertz stands as the only senior striker at Arteta's disposal, although the manager often utilises him in a deeper role.
In light of these difficulties, Arsenal has been linked with a number of strikers in recent weeks. The club reportedly has its sights set on Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who was previously considered during his tenure at Real Sociedad. However, any potential move for the Swedish international is likely to be postponed until the summer. Similar scenarios apply to other top targets, including Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, both of whom are among Europe’s most sought-after strikers at present. Additionally, the chances of securing Bryan Mbuemo and Dusan Vlahovic in January appear to be dwindling as the transfer deadline looms.
As the situation unfolds, further updates on Arsenal's pursuit of Watkins and their overall transfer strategy are eagerly anticipated.