The potential transfer of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa to Arsenal has reached a critical juncture, as reported by The Mirror. The Gunners expressed their interest in acquiring the forward on Monday; however, Aston Villa swiftly rejected their inquiry. This resolute stance from Villa is likely bolstered by the impending £70 million transfer of their other prominent striker, Jhon Duran, to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The sale of Duran suggests that Villa are reluctant to part with both key attacking players during the current transfer window.
Arsenal's reluctance to meet Villa's demands for the 29-year-old striker further complicates the situation. As developments unfold, it appears increasingly unlikely that Villa will entertain any offers for Watkins, indicating that the opportunity to secure his services may be diminishing. The prospect of losing an experienced striker like Watkins might have seemed more feasible had Duran not emerged as a promising talent at just 21 years old. This dynamic likely influenced Arsenal's initial inquiry regarding Watkins' availability.
Watkins, who has long harboured aspirations of playing for Arsenal, now finds his hopes clouded by these recent developments. With Duran's imminent departure, the likelihood of Watkins making a move to the Gunners seems to wane. Consequently, Arsenal must reassess their transfer strategy, both for the current window and in anticipation of the summer.
Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his squad, particularly in the attacking department. While there remains a belief that a deal for Watkins could still be reached, the club is also exploring alternative options. Among these is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, although it is understood that Leipzig are not open to negotiations during January.
In addition to Sesko, Arsenal are monitoring 19-year-old forward Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, who is seeking more regular playing time. The Gunners are committed to enhancing their forward line and are making significant efforts to finalise potential signings, underscoring their determination to bolster their competitive edge in the Premier League.