Arsenal’s Transfer Window Heats Up with Watkins Pursuit
Arsenal is intensifying their efforts to secure Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins with a second substantial bid in the closing days of the January transfer window. The Gunners’ initial offer was rejected shortly before Villa’s Champions League clash with Celtic, where Watkins demonstrated his value by scoring despite a subsequent penalty miss.
Multiple Striker Options on Arsenal’s Radar
The North London club is exploring various attacking options, with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel expressing interest in a move to the Emirates, despite previous links to Chelsea. Additional targets include:
• Wolves’ Matheus Cunha
• RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko
• Norwegian prospect Sverre Nypan
Villa’s Strategic Decisions
Unai Emery faces a crucial decision regarding his striking options, with both Watkins and Jhon Duran attracting significant interest. Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has shown strong interest in Duran, potentially influencing Villa’s stance on Watkins’ potential departure.
Manchester United’s Transfer Activities
The Red Devils are making progress in their pursuit of Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu, though financial constraints require player sales before new acquisitions. Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain, with limited options available this January, while Alejandro Garnacho could potentially depart Old Trafford.
Women’s Super League Transfer News
In women’s football, England international Chloe Kelly has formally requested to leave Manchester City before the WSL deadline. Meanwhile, Chelsea is considering a late move for Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh to strengthen their squad.
Emery remains adamant about keeping Watkins, stating, “I don’t want him to leave,” while acknowledging the club would be “very demanding” regarding any potential transfer fee. Arsenal manager Arteta maintained diplomacy when questioned about the bid, noting only that the club is always working to improve.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements has become increasingly urgent, as they aim to strengthen their squad for the season’s crucial final months.
