Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins in the January transfer window fell apart due to an unexpected chain of events involving Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The Gunners, desperate to reinforce their attack amid injury woes, made a strong push for Watkins, but circumstances beyond their control left them without their primary target.
How Al Nassr’s Decision Changed Arsenal’s Plans
Al Nassr initially pursued Bayer Leverkusen’s in-form Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, tabling an offer exceeding £50 million. Boniface, however, rejected the move, opting to continue his development in Europe rather than making a switch to the Middle East. This forced Al Nassr to look elsewhere, eventually setting their sights on Aston Villa’s young forward Jhon Durán.
Aston Villa, unwilling to lose both Durán and Watkins in the same window, chose to retain their key striker. This decision led them to reject Arsenal’s £60 million bid for Watkins, effectively shutting down any possibility of a last-minute move.
Arsenal’s Transfer Struggles Continue
With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka struggling with injuries, Arsenal urgently needed attacking reinforcements to maintain their Premier League title challenge. Watkins, who has been in exceptional form for Aston Villa, was viewed as the perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, the domino effect set off by Al Nassr’s transfer plans left the Gunners with no viable alternative before the window closed.
Mikel Arteta was reportedly frustrated by the club’s inability to complete a deal, as he had emphasized the need for a strong forward to complement his attacking lineup. Arsenal’s failure to secure Watkins now puts additional pressure on their current squad to deliver in the crucial months ahead.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s inability to land a striker in January could have serious implications for their Premier League and Champions League ambitions. Without fresh attacking options, the Gunners will have to rely on Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Leandro Trossard to provide goals. If injuries persist, their depth could be tested, potentially weakening their title bid.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa has solidified its attacking options by keeping Watkins, ensuring they remain competitive in the Premier League’s top-four race. As for Al Nassr, their transfer decisions inadvertently reshaped the window for multiple clubs, proving how one move in the football world can have widespread effects.
With the summer transfer window now in focus, Arsenal must rethink their strategy to avoid another disappointment. Whether they reignite their interest in Watkins or target another high-profile striker remains to be seen.
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