An Aston Villa striker is undergoing a medical ahead of a January transfer, but it is not Ollie Watkins. Despite Arsenal making a £60 million bid for Watkins earlier this week—an offer Villa rejected—he was still included in the starting lineup for their Champions League clash against Celtic.
Watkins, 29, is a lifelong Arsenal fan and has previously expressed that playing for the Gunners would be a dream. While this suggests he may be open to the move, Villa and manager Unai Emery do not appear willing to let him go. Meanwhile, Jhon Duran has also attracted significant interest this month.
Chelsea and Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr have been linked with the 21-year-old striker, and it appears Al-Nassr are close to finalizing the deal. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Duran is scheduled for a medical in London on Thursday before sealing a £64 million (€77m) transfer.
It is unlikely that Emery would approve the departures of both Duran and Watkins, meaning Arsenal still face a challenge in pursuing Watkins. With the Saudi transfer window closing on Thursday, January 30, Al-Nassr are moving quickly to secure a striker, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface identified as an alternative target.
If Duran remains at Villa, Arsenal could have an opportunity to push for Watkins. While Villa insists they are not looking to sell, given his age, form, and contract situation, now might be the best time to cash in.
Emery addressed the transfer speculation, stating:
“I am focusing on our planning for each match, and every player must do the same. There are always transfer rumors—both incoming and outgoing—but every team is in a similar situation. The squad we have now must stay professional, responsible, and focused on the games ahead.”