English Premier League Aston Villa have rejected a bid from Arsenal for their English forward Ollie Watkins. According to reports, Arsenal approached Aston Villa for the 29-year-old to sign him but the club said no way. It was reported that a bid of £60m was made for the striker.
The hope and chance of the London team to sign a striker before the close of the transfer window is now doubt. Aston Villa had offer also from Suadi Arabian side Al Nassr for Jhon Duran but have not responded but for Watkins they said no way.
It was gathered that Villa are unhappy with the timing of the approach, which came in the build-up to a key Champions League fixture and a week before January’s transfer deadline day. We are not sure if Arsenal will return with further offers before Monday’s 23:00 GMT deadline.
Watkins has 11 goals in 32 games this season and scored the equaliser in Villa’s 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium this month. The England international has 80 goals in 200 appearances for the Midlands club since joining from Brentford for £28m in 2020.
The Gunners are looking for a new striker before the January transfer window closes, with Gabriel Jesus out with a serious knee injury he suffered in the FA Cup defeat by Manchester United this month. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that the Gunners “need some help” in attack this season.
Their other options now are RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
