New Delhi: Arsenal are desperate for attacking reinforcements, and their latest move proves it. The Gunners made an ambitious attempt to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, identifying him as the perfect solution to their striker issues. Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have left Mikel Arteta with limited options in the final third, forcing Arsenal to act in the transfer market.
According to reports, Ollie Watkins has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time, with the club viewing him as an ideal fit for their attacking setup. The England international, who grew up as an Arsenal fan, has been in strong form this season, making him a logical target for the London club.
However, Arsenal’s bid for Watkins has been rejected by Aston Villa, who have no interest in selling their first-choice striker. Reports suggest that Arsenal made their approach last week, but Villa quickly dismissed their offer.
The club is already dealing with serious interest in Jhon Durán, with Al-Nassr pushing to sign the Colombian forward in a deal worth around £63 million. According to sources, Villa are unwilling to lose both of their top strikers in the same window, making a departure for Watkins highly unlikely. With time running out, Arsenal must now decide whether to make a second offer or turn their attention elsewhere.
Arsenal struggling to solve striker issues
🚨🔴⚪️ Aston Villa have rejected today an official bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins.
Proposal around £60m turned down as Villa are not happy with timing of the bid, ahead of crucial UCL game for the club.
👀🇸🇦 Villa are also in active talks with Al Nassr for Jhon Durán. pic.twitter.com/krgJfZzyIH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
The rejection of Arsenal’s bid highlights the difficulties they face in strengthening their attack. Arteta has been vocal about the need for reinforcements, admitting that the squad is already short on numbers. “Ideally, we need some help,” he said last week, acknowledging the growing concerns over Arsenal’s attacking depth. Watkins would have been a strong addition, given his 10 goals in 31 appearances this season and proven ability in the Premier League.
Villa, however, have no reason to part ways with their main striker, especially with Champions League qualification on the line. Emery has relied heavily on Watkins this season, and even though Durán has impressed with his goalscoring efficiency, the manager is not willing to risk losing both options in the same window. If Al-Nassr complete their deal for Durán, Arsenal’s chances of landing Watkins will likely disappear.
Arsenal now have a crucial decision to make. Do they push ahead with an improved bid or shift their focus to alternative targets? With the transfer window nearing its end, Arteta and his team have little time left to find the right solution.
Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins has been rejected by Aston Villa, forcing the Gunners to rethink their striker search as Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements to solve their attacking issues. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
