Arsenal expressed interest in signing Ollie Watkins during the January transfer window, but the timing was ultimately deemed unsuitable for finalising a deal. The striker has long been on the club’s radar, having consistently delivered high-level performances across multiple seasons. His ability to lead the line effectively and contribute both goals and assists has not gone unnoticed by the Arsenal hierarchy.
The Gunners are well aware of what Watkins could bring to their attacking setup. Their attempt to secure his signature earlier this year was a testament to their belief in his potential impact within the current squad. However, circumstances during the mid-season window made a move unfeasible.
As the campaign draws to a close, Arsenal are expected to evaluate a broader range of attacking options. Watkins remains firmly in contention as one of the names under consideration for a potential summer move. With additional time to plan and assess their needs, the Gunners may now be better positioned to act decisively if they choose to reignite their interest.
At Aston Villa, recent developments could pave the way for Watkins’ departure. The temporary arrival of Marcus Rashford during the last transfer window has lessened the club’s dependence on Watkins, who is no longer seen as an untouchable figure in the squad. According to Football Insider, Villa are open to allowing the forward to leave in the summer, particularly as they explore the possibility of turning Rashford’s loan spell into a permanent move.
Watkins is among Villa’s highest earners and most valuable assets. Releasing him would create both financial and tactical flexibility, enabling the club to reshape their attacking options. From Arsenal’s perspective, Watkins’ proven Premier League experience and consistent output could make him a strong addition to the squad.
Nevertheless, the Gunners are also believed to be assessing younger alternatives as part of their long-term strategy. Sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly considering a range of profiles, which may influence the final decision. While Watkins remains a viable option, Arsenal are keeping their plans fluid as they look to strengthen their frontline with the right blend of quality, potential, and value.
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Sorry, but it’s not gonna happen
Had it happened in January he could have plug the gap and we try get a couple of seasons out of him, but with age not on his side am afraid he has miss the bus.
If villa don’t over value him as they did in January, I see no reason why we wouldn’t follow up our interest in him.
He’s still a proven England international, proven PL player and a self confessed Arsenal fan.
If his price tag is around the 30 – 40 million mark and his wage demands are reasonable – why not?!
Have to agree with you on this one. We will not splash 100M on a single striker. 30-40Million for Ollie to rotate with Kai and Gabby J is good business as Mikel would not abandon either Kai or Gabby. As for fitness if all 3 strikers are rotated as per oppositions tactics, age would not be an issue for fitness. We need a backup GK, a back up CDM, a back up CAM, not forgetting the annual LB revamp. Lots of money for these positions also. Hoping Ollie to AFC happens this summer. In addition we need homegrown talent for the quota as well as for the progress of English football.
January was his best for us. This time around we’ve a lot more serious options and he’s unlikely ahead of our other targets.
I prefer we leave him ……….
You really can’t tell if he’d be good or bad for us but it was a band aid bid in January to boost this season’s chance’s.
Given the choice’s coming in the summer i’d doubt we’ll revisit this one.
But Jamie Vardy showed a good sticker can go well beyond hitting 30 and still do well.
Time has moved on for him, but Arsenal has embraced a new era.
Would not be a good move IMO, the chance passed in January.
We need a younger striker with years of service and a resale value, none of which we are likely to get from Watkins.
The only chance is if we sell Havertz and have Watkins come in as the striker, but I don’t see Arteta giving up on Havertz or upgrading on his position as striker.
When Arsenal made their so called bid for Watkins back in January, having seen the club do this kind of thing before I was very skeptical as to how serious it was.
Having believed it to be a smokescreen to make it look like they were trying to sign a striker. Let us see how serious they really are about Watkins come the summer window shall we.
And of course if they don’t go for him, we’ll get well we decided to look at other options. If you say so. 🙄🤦♂️
DEREK The dynamics has changed since January, Arsenal has to go back to their model.
Players that are young, sport a high ceiling, technical and versatile, that has been the profile
We can’t wait until the summer window open, we start to run around like headless chicken, hopefully Berta is behind the scene now pulling the necessary strings
Gunsmoke
I agree with your take on younger players with high ceilings, especially as we fill out the depth in the squad.
Arteta clearly has his favorite starters (as is right for managers) so the depth and rotation should be young players; or so I hope.
It lays the groundwork for our future, and they are rotated in while they gain experience without the pressure of being everyday starters from day one.
I credit Arteta immensely for his core of young players he built, hopefully he will give them opportunities as we move into the future.
If we manage to buy a high profile striker like Gyokeres then I have no problem if we sign him as our second choice striker, after all the season comes with lots of matches and we cannot risk going the whole season with only one striker.