Arsenal attempted to sign Ollie Watkins during the January transfer window, making an official offer for the Aston Villa striker. The Gunners have long admired Watkins but had previously not taken any steps to bring him to the Emirates. However, as they faced increasing difficulties in front of goal during the second half of the season, they saw the England international as an ideal solution and decided to make a move for him.
Despite their approach, Villa immediately rejected the offer, and Arsenal failed to secure another striker before the window closed. This meant Watkins remained at Villa Park, while the Gunners were left relying on their existing attacking options to deliver the goals they desperately need.
Many initially believed that Villa had turned down the bid because it came so late in the transfer window, leaving them little time to find a replacement. However, Football Insider has since reported that Arsenal’s bid of £40 million was viewed as a “disgrace” by Villa, who felt the valuation was far too low for a player of Watkins’ quality. The Midlands club was never going to accept such a fee, especially given how crucial Watkins has been to their impressive campaign.
Watkins is undoubtedly one of the Premier League’s most effective strikers, boasting a mix of pace, strength, and finishing ability that makes him a constant threat. However, at 29 years old, he is not a young prospect, which may have influenced Arsenal’s decision to offer what they considered a fair price. From their perspective, £40 million was a reasonable valuation, but Villa saw it differently, knowing they would struggle to replace him mid-season.
Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker in January has left them vulnerable in the title race, and they may need to revisit their pursuit of a centre-forward in the summer. While Watkins could still be an option, Villa will almost certainly demand a significantly higher fee, making a deal difficult unless Arsenal is willing to break the bank. If they decide to look elsewhere, they may target a younger, more affordable striker from outside the Premier League, rather than engaging in another drawn-out negotiation with Villa.
ADMIN COMMENT
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Let’s be honest; Arsenal were unlikely to overhaul Liverpool in the title race and thanks to some mentally arthritic referees and a bad run of injuries we were lagging. 1 striker wasn’t going to transform the team. At 29 years of age, he would have little or no ongoing transfer value and at £60 million it was a silly price. I like him as a striker but the sensible thing to do was swallow it and wait for the summer and next season.
Seems like a recurring theme does it not ?“there’s always next season “
Before we know it a decade as passed and we are still talking about next season .
Watkins deal I think was not a serious transfer from arsenal perspective, they never wanted to sign any body except Sesko even when PSG and some of the agents of their players were marketing some players to arsenal and for me the best option to get in that transfer was Vlahovic and rashford on a straight loan. Both would have help out team greatly but the board and Arteta decided to throw this season away intentionally.
Did you mean that last sentence or was it a case of accepting the circumstances and trying to make the best of it until the next transfer window?
Agree Johnson, without an iota of doubt. When your so call “CF” who has never crossed 15 goals a season for us is injured till season’s end, and the make shift “CF” last scored 15+ goals last decade and still they do not sign a CF at the start of the season (in spite of Eddie being gone), I have no choice but to agree with you. And unfortunately the make shift “CF” gets injured – where? In training. Are they practicing football or WWE? Last time Merino has a shoulder injury. And worse, Mikel signs a CFC flop, he flops over here , instead of terminating his deal and signing someone (maybe on loan) or promoting youth talent, they continue with his loan spell. Either this is favoritism or stupidity, but the finger points to Mikel alone. Others may have different opinions, lets be fair to them, it will not change things on the pitch. And , finally in my opinion 60M would be a fair price for Ollie, a local lad, perfect commitment, great attitude, AFC fan, constant performer. If Kai costs 65M, Fabio 35M, 34M for Timber, 42M Calaufori and none are helping the cause wherever /whenever they are playing. In contrast 50M for White is an absolute steal (except this season),
“throw this season away intentionally” Seriously? That’s a new and original one.
Yes that’s just ridiculous!
I understand the frustrations, but really now…
Disgrace? Somewhat over the top reaction from Villa, especially after their valuation of 60m+ which quite frankly is outrageous. Pot and kettle comes to mind.
Come on people, don’t be taken in. The offer of £40 million was never going to be accepted and Arsenal new it.
It was simply to make it look like the club were trying to buy a striker. Something they’ve done in the past and no doubt they’ll do it again in the futrue.
And it would seem to have had the desired affect on the fans that actually believe that Arsenal were serious about Watkins in the first place. 🙄🤦♂️
Gooners saying Watkins isn’t worth 60m need to take at look at his goal involvements for a side that has nowhere near the midfield dominance Arsenal are blessed with.
He does so much more than simply striking and is worth more than that to Villa. So Stan will now go and pay 80m for Sesko or Vlahovic because the fantasy football kids love them, yet to me its clear either will struggle to adapt to PL football.
The club itself is a total disgrace
The club’s a total disgrace?
Not exactly extatic with everything at the moment, but going as far as “total disgrace”? Wow
Unlike many comments which are an absolute joy to read.