Arsenal have launched a shock bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the closing days of the January transfer window. The Gunners are desperate to find a new forward after Gabriel Jesus suffered a season-ending injury. Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Watkins, who has impressed in the Premier League.
Arsenal have made a surprising move for Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins in the final week of the January transfer window. Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new striker before the winter window closes on Monday night following Gabriel Jesus' season-ending injury earlier this month. Kai Havertz continues to struggle to perform effectively as a forward, although Arteta has repeatedly defended the player who joined from London rivals Chelsea for £65m.
Arsenal have been linked with Benjamin Sesko, Dusan Vlahovic, and Victor Osimhen in recent weeks but are now considering a move closer to home in the form of Aston Villa striker Watkins. The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal have approached Villa with a sensational offer for Watkins, who has been one of the Premier League's most consistent forwards over the past three seasons. The offer, believed to be worth around £60m, was rejected by Aston Villa. Arsenal are expected to submit another bid. Arteta is said to be a long-time admirer of Watkins, who has scored double figures in the Premier League in each of his last five campaigns. Watkins enjoyed his most prolific season to date last year, netting 27 goals in all competitions, helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League under Unai Emery, previously of Arsenal. The 29-year-old ex-Brentford star played a limited but crucial role for England at last summer's Euros, scoring an injury-time winner in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands. There were calls throughout the tournament for Gareth Southgate to start Watkins ahead of England's all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane. Watkins is contracted to Aston Villa for another three years but could be tempted to join Arsenal, the club he supported growing up. In 2020, while playing for Brentford, Watkins admitted it would be his 'dream' to play for Arsenal, adding: 'But, you know, it's a long shot.' Arsenal chiefs believe Watkins could be the player they need to propel Arteta's side to Premier League glory in the second half of the season. The Gunners are currently six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Aston Villa, meanwhile, are in eighth place as they juggle domestic and European commitments. Emery's team have qualified for the next round of the Champions League but may enter a playoff for the knockout stages, depending on the outcome of their final group game against Celtic and results elsewhere. Villa will have been surprised by Arsenal's surprising approach as it is their other striker, Jhon Duran, who has been linked with a move away from the club this month. Arsenal, Chelsea, and West Ham have all expressed interest in signing Duran, but he could now be set for a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
ARSENAL OLLIE WATKINS ASTON VILLA PREMIER LEAGUE MIKEL ARTETA TRANSFER NEWS JANUARY WINDOW
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