Arsenal set to make huge new bid for Aston Villa star
Arsenal will reportedly return with a second and improved offer as they seek to sign an Aston Villa star in the January transfer window.
Arsenal Preparing Massive Second Bid for Aston Villa Star Ollie Watkins
Arsenal are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Aston Villa’s star striker, Ollie Watkins, with a significantly improved offer as they push to finalize a major signing before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The Gunners’ long-running search for a prolific forward has dominated headlines for months, and with time running out in the January transfer window, Mikel Arteta’s side appears to be making one last major push. Watkins, who has been a standout performer for Villa, has emerged as Arsenal’s top target, with the North London club eager to bolster their attacking options for the crucial second half of the season.
After having an initial bid—believed to be around £40 million (€47.8 million)—rejected earlier this week, Arsenal are now preparing a fresh offer in an effort to tempt Villa into a late sale. The new bid is expected to be significantly higher, as the Gunners remain determined to land the England international.
Reliable transfer source TransferChecker confirmed on X (formerly Twitter):
“Arsenal set to test Aston Villa’s resolve to keep Ollie Watkins with a second bid. Aston Villa in discussions for numerous forwards in the Premier League and abroad to bolster their own attack. Could make Watkins available at the right price.”
Despite Arsenal’s persistence, any potential deal for Watkins has been complicated by the departure of Villa’s other striker, Jhon Duran. The 20-year-old Colombian forward has officially completed a high-profile £64 million (€76.5 million) transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr, where he will join forces with Cristiano Ronaldo.
With Duran gone, Villa now face a dilemma: cash in on Watkins for a huge fee or hold onto their talisman as they push for a top-four Premier League finish. The coming days will be crucial in deciding whether Arsenal’s latest bid is enough to persuade Unai Emery’s side to part ways with their star striker.
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Having already lost a key striker late in the transfer window, Arsenal would likely have to submit a massive offer to convince Aston Villa to part ways with Ollie Watkins—especially with reports suggesting the player is eager for a move to North London.
Watkins has previously expressed his admiration for Arsenal, stating at an awards ceremony in March 2020: “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day, but you know, it’s a long shot.”
This season, the forward has made 32 appearances across all competitions for Villa, delivering an impressive tally of 11 goals and nine assists—numbers that more than justify the growing transfer speculation surrounding him.