Arsenal Football Club is intensifying its efforts to acquire striker Ollie Watkins before the transfer window closes, appealing to the player's emotional connection to the club in an attempt to facilitate the move. Reports from *The Hard Tackle* indicate that Aston Villa have already rejected an initial offer for the 29-year-old forward, and recent comments from Villa manager Unai Emery may have further complicated Arsenal’s ambitions.
On Wednesday, Arsenal made a surprise bid for Watkins just before Aston Villa's crucial UEFA Champions League match against Celtic. The proposal was swiftly dismissed, prompting frustration among Villa officials, who perceived the timing and nature of the offer as disrespectful. Despite this setback, Arsenal is expected to submit a revised bid soon, although it remains uncertain whether this will meet Villa's asking price or merely represent a modest increase on their initial £60 million offer.
A significant factor in this ongoing saga is Watkins' long-standing affinity for Arsenal, which could transform the prospect of joining the Gunners into a dream opportunity for him. Speculation has emerged regarding his interest in making the switch, even as Aston Villa maintains a resolute stance on retaining their star striker.
Arsenal's strategy appears to hinge on emotionally resonating with Watkins during the final days of the transfer window. However, the effectiveness of this approach is questionable, particularly in light of Emery's remarks regarding Watkins’ commitment to the club. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano shared Emery's comments on X, where the manager stated, "There are players who prefer to leave then some players commit to us here, and one of them is Ollie Watkins. He's happy to stay at Aston Villa."
Emery’s assertion strongly suggests that Watkins is inclined to remain at Villa Park as the season progresses. Furthermore, Villa has already sanctioned the sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, which diminishes the likelihood of allowing another key striker to depart in such a short timeframe.
For Arsenal, the hope of signing Watkins persists, but any potential deal hinges on Aston Villa's ability to secure a replacement striker. Should the Gunners receive a compelling offer, the dynamics could shift in their favour. However, as the situation currently stands, Watkins seems poised to continue his career with Aston Villa for the foreseeable future.