The Champions League round of 16 was secured for Arsenal with a 2-1 victory over Girona in Spain on Wednesday night. This victory allowed Arsenal to advance to the next round. Following the conclusion of the league phase, the Gunners finished in third place, tied for points with Barcelona in second place and Inter Milan in fourth place.
Arnaut Danjuma, a former player for Tottenham Hotspur, had put Girona ahead twenty-eight minutes into the match. However, Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri scored two goals in the span of four minutes to ensure that Arsenal won the match and their maximum points. The goal was scored by Jorginho from the penalty spot, and Nwaneri delivered a stunning curling strike from the edge of the penalty area. In the second half, Raheem Sterling had the opportunity to make things more comfortable with a second penalty, but his spot kick was saved. Girona, on the other hand, had a goal that was ruled out by video assistant referee for fouling offside.
Arsenal’s offer of sixty million pounds for Ollie Watkins was turned down by Aston Villa, who secured a spot in the top eight after defeating Celtic by a score of four to two in Birmingham. This was the most significant piece of news that emerged prior to the game.
Although “talks are advancing,” a second bid from Arsenal is “expected” for the Euro 2024 hero.Arsenal is in need of goals, and they have targeted a move for Watkins, who has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Watkins is an England international. On Wednesday, Watkins scored for Villa in their match against Celtic. However, he also failed to convert a penalty kick because he slipped while hitting the ball. In light of the fact that Arsenal’s initial offer was turned down, the Daily Mail reports that North London is preparing to submit an improved offer in advance of the transfer deadline on Monday at 11 o’clock.
I am right now stating this. In the event that Arsenal acquires Ollie Watkins during this transfer window.
This season, Arsenal will emerge victorious in the Premier League.pic.twitter.com/c7IKz7UKzP [picture]
— AD Views (@ADExample)29th of January, 2025
It has been reported by TheSecretScout that Watkins is interested in moving to Arsenal, and that negotiations between his representatives and the Gunners are progressing. That being said, a move might be contingent on whether or not Villa is able to acquire Joao Felix from Chelsea. This week, Fabrizio Romano stated that Felix was a dream target for Unai Emery. He made this statement earlier this week. He stated the following on his channel on YouTube: “And then Joao Felix. For Unai Emery, Joao Felix continues to be the ideal player to acquire. Several times, I have told you. Unai Emery is completely preoccupied with this idea. Therefore, if Chelsea makes the decision to allow Joao Felix to leave the club today, tomorrow, in two days, in three days, or on Monday, Aston Villa will most certainly make an effort to do exactly that. Without a doubt, they will make an effort to make it happen.
“Because Unai Emery has a deep and abiding affection for the player. And additionally, those who are close to the player are of the opinion that Unai Emery has the potential to be the ideal coach to trust him, to play him on a consistent basis, and to demonstrate the exceptional qualities that Joao Felix possesses. But, once more, there is no assurance of that.”
So far in his career, WatkinsFor the first time in his professional career, the Torquay native, who is now 29 years old, made his debut with Exeter City in 2014. In 2017, Brentford acquired his services. It was three years later when he signed with Villa for a club-record fee of £28 million at the time. Since joining Villa, he has played 201 games, during which he has scored 81 goals and provided 35 assists. Additionally, he has 69 goals in the Premier League, which he has scored in 169 appearances, along with 31 assists.