The January transfer window is always a critical time for Premier League clubs as they look to bolster their squads ahead of the second half of the season. For Arsenal, this particular transfer window has been especially significant, given the injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. As a result, Mikel Arteta has been actively pursuing reinforcements to add depth to his squad. However, as the window reaches its final days, it seems that one of the more pressing issues for the Gunners is securing a new striker. This focus has led them to an intriguing situation involving two players at Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran.
Aston Villa’s striker situation has become a focal point in this transfer window, with both of these players being key to Villa’s attacking line-up. While both players have had strong performances this season, their futures at Villa Park are now uncertain. The biggest news coming out of Villa Park involves Jhon Duran, a 21-year-old Colombian forward who had been enjoying his time at the club after making the move from MLS side Chicago Fire. However, reports have emerged that Duran is on the verge of completing a high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, one of the most lucrative clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The proposed deal is said to be worth a staggering €77 million (£64.5m), with add-ons potentially increasing that figure even further.
The situation surrounding Duran’s departure has sparked a great deal of discussion, particularly among Villa fans, who have seen the Colombian forward quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the Premier League. Duran has shown promise during his time at Villa, but it seems the financial windfall from his potential sale is simply too good for the club to pass up. While Aston Villa would likely be disappointed to lose a player with such potential, the club is in a position where the financial benefits could be reinvested to strengthen other areas of the squad.
The fact that Duran has reportedly begun handing out gifts to teammates and staff has only fueled speculation that his departure is imminent. This is a common gesture when players are preparing to leave a club, signaling that they are saying their goodbyes before making the move. Duran’s exit would not only mark the end of a brief but impactful period at Villa but also open the door for the club to reassess their attacking options.
At the same time, the news of Duran’s move has led to further speculation about the future of Ollie Watkins, Villa’s star forward. Watkins has been a key figure in Villa’s attacking setup for several seasons now and has been heavily linked with a move to several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal. The Gunners’ interest in Watkins is not new; they have long been admirers of the England international’s work rate, pace, and ability to create chances. Given their current need for a new striker, particularly after the injuries to key players like Saka and Jesus, Arsenal have made no secret of their desire to sign Watkins.
Despite their strong interest, Arsenal have already encountered resistance from Villa. The first bid they made for Watkins, reportedly worth £60 million, was rejected by the Midlands club. Villa are under no pressure to sell Watkins, especially after the potential departure of Duran, which would leave them short of attacking options. Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has made it clear that Watkins remains a vital part of his plans for the remainder of the season. Emery has consistently emphasized his desire to keep hold of Watkins, stating that while Duran’s potential departure would bring in valuable funds for the club, Watkins is not for sale.
Arsenal, however, are determined to get a deal over the line. With the clock ticking down on the January transfer window, the Gunners are reportedly preparing to lodge a second, improved bid for Watkins. The hope is that with the added financial resources from a potential sale of Duran, Villa might reconsider their stance on Watkins, or at least be more open to negotiations. For Arsenal, securing Watkins would be a significant coup, providing them with a proven Premier League forward who could offer depth to their attacking options and help ease the burden on their injured stars.
In the wake of Arsenal’s initial bid being rejected, Mikel Arteta has remained calm and composed, refusing to be drawn into speculation about transfer targets. When asked about Watkins during a recent press conference, Arteta was non-committal, stating that he couldn’t talk about potential transfers until a deal had been finalized. However, he was clear about the club’s intentions, stressing the need to strengthen the team in the attacking department. “We’ve lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, so we lack goals, options, and people in the front line,” Arteta said. “If we can get the right player, that’s what we are actively looking at. But any player – no, we need someone who can make an impact.”
Arsenal’s situation has been compounded by the injuries to Saka and Jesus, both of whom have been key to the club’s attacking play. Saka, one of the best young talents in the Premier League, has been sidelined with an injury, while Jesus, the Brazilian forward who was signed from Manchester City, has also been unavailable for selection due to injury. The absence of both players has left a significant gap in Arsenal’s attacking options, forcing Arteta to explore the transfer market for reinforcements. This is where the potential signing of Watkins comes in, as the England international has proven himself to be one of the most consistent and reliable forwards in the Premier League.
Watkins’ ability to operate as a central striker or in a more fluid attacking role would offer Arteta the flexibility he needs, particularly as Arsenal look to mount a challenge for the top positions in the league and progress in European competitions. His work ethic and ability to link up play would also suit Arteta’s tactical approach, which often involves fluid attacking movements and high pressing from the forwards. The opportunity to add a player of Watkins’ caliber to the squad would undoubtedly give Arsenal a significant boost as they continue to chase success on multiple fronts.
Despite the club’s interest in Watkins, there are other options on the table for Arsenal. One such alternative is Mathys Tel, the young forward currently playing for Bayern Munich. The 19-year-old Frenchman has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with Arsenal among those reportedly keen to bring him to North London. Tel, who has made limited appearances for Bayern this season, is reportedly seeking more game time, and a move to the Premier League could offer him the opportunity to play regularly.
However, Arsenal are not the only club interested in Tel, as they face competition from other Premier League giants, including Chelsea. The race for Tel’s signature could become more intense as the window progresses, and Arsenal will need to act quickly if they want to secure the forward’s services. Despite this competition, Tel remains an intriguing option for Arsenal, particularly as the club looks to strengthen their attacking options for the future.
With the clock ticking down on the January transfer window, the next few days will be crucial for Arsenal as they look to strengthen their squad. The Gunners are in need of attacking reinforcements, and whether they land Ollie Watkins, Mathys Tel, or another target, the club will be hoping that their efforts in the transfer market will give them the boost they need to secure a strong finish to the season.
The situation at Villa Park, with Duran’s imminent departure and Watkins’ future in the balance, will continue to be a key storyline in the final days of the transfer window. For Arsenal, the hope is that they can capitalize on Villa’s willingness to sell Duran and push through a deal for Watkins. However, Villa’s determination to keep hold of their star striker, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the potential sale of Duran, means that Arsenal will face stiff competition and resistance in their pursuit of the England international.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see whether the club can secure the attacking reinforcement they so desperately need. Whether it’s Ollie Watkins, Mathys Tel, or another player entirely, the Gunners will need to move quickly and decisively to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season. With the title race heating up and a place in European competition still very much in play, securing a new forward could make all the difference for Mikel Arteta and his team as they look to achieve success in both domestic and international competitions.
