Arsenal’s initial bid for Ollie Watkins was actually £40 million, rather than the reported £60 million, but Aston Villa rejected the offer. Villa values the striker at over £80 million and is unwilling to part with both Watkins and Jhon Duran, making Arsenal’s chances of securing a deal unlikely.
With Duran close to joining Al Nassr, Villa is even more reluctant to let Watkins leave. Manager Unai Emery has emphasized that Watkins is a key player for the team’s ambitions and wants to keep him at the club.
Although Arsenal may attempt to negotiate further, they will likely need to consider alternative targets this month. Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal fan, has previously expressed his dream of playing for the club, but Villa’s high valuation and unwillingness to sell pose major challenges.