Arsenal faces the ticking clock of the January transfer window as the club intensifies its pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. With injuries hampering their attacking forces, the need for reinforcements has escalated for the Gunners, and Watkins, who has reportedly expressed interest in moving to the Emirates, has emerged as their top target.
Initially, Arsenal submitted a bid of approximately £45 million for Watkins, which Aston Villa swiftly rejected. The action reportedly infuriated the Villa management, who contend they do not wish to part with their star striker, valuing him at around £80 million. Mikel Arteta’s side, eager to bolster their offense before the transfer window closes on February 3, is under pressure to present a more substantial offer as time runs short.
Leading up to this, Aston Villa's head coach Unai Emery has made it abundantly clear he wants to maintain his squad's integrity, particularly after the team agreed to sell backup striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for £64 million. This development only complicates Arsenal’s chances, as Villa's depth will be tested with both forwards leaving. Insiders suggest Villa would only reconsider their stance if Watkins expresses a desire to leave, which remains uncertain as of now.
Football.london reports the urgency surrounding Arsenal’s situation, stating, "Watkins seems to be do-or-die for Arsenal with just days before the transfer window shuts." This sentiment echoes through the Gunners' camp, reflecting the pivotal role Watkins could play should he join, particularly with injuries sidelining key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, leaving the team thin on options up front. Arteta has made it plain he seeks to secure a reliable goal scorer, and Watkins fits the profile perfectly, having netted 19 goals last season.
The saga intensified after Arsenal’s initial bid was scathingly rejected, with Villa's leadership reporting dissatisfaction with the bid's timing, which coincided with their Champions League clash against Celtic. Villa officials likened the indiscretion to another recent offer for Duran from West Ham, which also met immediate disapproval. The specifics of the transfer conflict suggest a breakdown of communication between the clubs about what constitutes fair market value within the frantic transfer climate.
Adding to the intrigue, Andy Gray commented on beIN Sports, urging Arsenal to make a more ambitious play should they wish to realize their goals: "I would be amazed if they [Aston Villa] sold him [Watkins] for any money in this window, I cannot see them letting him go. He’s a far superior finisher than Kai Havertz; he would significantly increase his goal tally at Arsenal."
The prospect of Arsenal making another bid can't be ruled out, but it's clear they will need to significantly raise their initial offer to persuade Villa to even entertain negotiations. The player's own inclinations will also inform this decision-making. Watkins had previously remarked on his admiration for Arsenal, noting during his time at Brentford, "I mean yeah, that's the dream to play for Arsenal one day. But I know it's a long shot. It's only because me and my family support them, but that's a long-term goal." This quote serves as both encouragement to Arsenal and perhaps an indication of his current sentiments toward a move.
Despite subpar negotiations so far, the emphasis remains on securing immediate assistance for Arteta and his squad. Arsenal’s options are narrowing quickly, and with reports placing potential alternatives on their radar—including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson—the club may explore these avenues as the final days of the transfer window awaken. The window is open, but for Arsenal, the decision to either plunge for Watkins or look elsewhere hangs heavy, as every passing hour raises the stakes.