BREAKING: Deal getting closer as Ollie Watkins makes Arsenal transfer decision as Aston Villa’s valuation is revealed- Arsenal prepare a warm welcoming of new striker
Arsenal’s failed Ollie Watkins bid this week means Mikel Arteta is in real dangers of going into the business end of the 2024/25 season without reinforcements in attack.
A new striker is the priority for the Gunners after Gabriel Jesus’ injury. Bukayo Saka’s hamstring problem picked up over Christmas means Arsenal’s options in the final third are short.
Benjamin Sesko, Evan Ferguson, Matheus Cunha and Jhon Duran are among the big names that have been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium. With three days left of the window, football.london have taken a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners – while also providing out thoughts on those snippets;
Ollie Watkins ‘open’ to move
Ollie Watkins is understood to be open to a move to Arsenal in the final few days of the January transfer window. However, Aston Villa are determined to keep hold of the striker.
After the Gunners saw an opening offer turned down for Watkins this week, the 29-year-old is expected to be a name that dominates the headlines before the window slams shut on Friday.
Jhon Duran’s imminent move to Al-Nassr means Villa aren’t expected to let him leave this month. However, the Daily Mail have reported that the England striker would be open to joining the club.
football.london says: “Watkins seems to be do-or-die for Arsenal with just days before the transfer window shuts. A second bid is expected but Villa are incredibly unlikely to reject it. So what’s next?
“It’s no surprise that the player is open to a move. He’s admitted his love for the Gunners previously and the chance to be the main man at one of England’s best teams won’t come around again. The sticky point is Duran and his move to Saudi Arabia, that almost certainly means Watkins won’t leave. Unfortunately.”
