Arsenal’s Transfer Goals: Possible Departures, Watkins Interest, and Mathys Tel Loan
With four potential new recruits on the horizon, Mikel Arteta is well-positioned to make big moves in the closing days of the January transfer window.
Even though Arsenal hasn’t made any significant acquisitions this month, interest in Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa has grown, which could change the team’s course before the deadline.
According to recent rumours, Aston Villa has rejected Arsenal’s offer for Watkins, which was expected to be approximately £45 million.
The striker’s contribution to the squad was further highlighted by his performance in the Champions League encounter against Celtic, where he was instrumental in a 4-2 triumph.
Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have both spoken out about the Watkins situation, although neither has offered any firm updates, with Arteta being especially reticent.
Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, it seems that Arsenal is keen to sign Watkins this transfer season.
Jhon Duran, Watkins’ colleague, is about to make an incredible £64 million move to the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr.
It seems unlikely that both players will leave at the same time, so Arsenal might have to hope that Duran’s deal falls through or that Aston Villa can find a suitable replacement.
Watkins’ circumstances may also be impacted by the mention of Chelsea’s Joao Felix as a possible addition to Villa Park.
There is still a remote chance that Arsenal will make a better bid for Watkins because Duran’s deal has not yet been completed.
Aston Villa would probably want to add players to their roster if both depart, such as Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich, who is also drawing interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, the latter of whom is reportedly prepared to spend £50.2 million for a long-term contract.
The 19-year-old is expected to take his time deciding what to do with his life, and he might decide that moving to Arsenal makes sense.
Tel is ready for playing time after missing a large chunk of the season, which Arsenal may give him, particularly in the upcoming months given Gabriel Jesus’ and Bukayo Saka’s injuries.
The timing of Ethan Nwaneri’s return from a little setback is ideal, but Arteta will probably be careful not to use him excessively.
Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli might all use a little downtime. Havertz could then go back to midfield while the other two battle for the left flank spot.
In addition, Raheem Sterling has encountered many difficulties since leaving Chelsea on loan.
Even though Arteta has said that Sterling won’t be going back to Stamford Bridge, it would be worth ending his loan in favour of the younger player if a loan agreement for Tel can be worked out.
In reference to other possible departures, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s third loan transfer to the EFL may yet be permitted.
The 22-year-old has a real chance of signing a permanent contract this summer, so it makes sense to let him go and get additional playing time over the course of the following six months.