Arsenal are highly unlikely to meet Aston Villa’s asking price for Ollie Watkins, according to a report, but Villa appear to be in the market for forward reinforcements.
Gary Jacob and Charlotte Duncker report for The Times that Arsenal recently bid £40m for Ollie Watkins, not the £60m touted elsewhere. In fact, The Times claim £60m is actually what the Gunners were told Watkins would cost this month.
The report suggests Arsenal are still considering whether to increase their offer, but it’s “highly unlikely” they will match Watkins’ asking price given his age.
The Gunners know they can get 21-year-old Benjamin Sesko for around the same price this summer, and it’s not even clear if Villa are open to selling. With Jhon Duran on the verge of joining Al-Nassr, they’d have to make some signings to allow Watkins to leave as well.
Sami Mokbel confirms for the Daily Mail that Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal, and the club still haven’t given up hope. But the understanding is that Villa won’t sell both Watkins and Duran in the same window.
You’d imagine that will only change if Arsenal meet Villa’s valuation and the midlands club manage to land a couple of their targets.
Reports link Villa with moves for Joao Felix, Marco Asensio, and Mathys Tel, with Villa president of football operations Monchi confirming the pursuits of the former two players.
“They are similar players who Unai Emery likes,” Monchi said. “Asensio was tried by Aston Villa before I arrived. Last summer, we were close to Joao. Neither of them are easy, because in terms of salary and cost they are not simple.”
Simon Jones writes for the Daily Mail that Villa are also weighing up a bid for Matheus Cunha of Wolves.
Perhaps there’s a world where Villa complete deals for two of the above four players and decide they can sell both Watkins and Duran before Monday’s deadline. Or maybe the Duran deal collapses at the last moment. But it’s a real long shot at this late stage.