Arsenal receive blow in Ollie Watkins transfer chase despite Edu talks

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Reported Arsenal transfer target Ollie Watkins looks set to commit his future to Aston Villa.

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are keen to sign Ollie Watkins in the upcoming January transfer window, with sporting director Edu already in talks with the player’s agent over the potential for a deal to be done. 

However, as reported by TalkSport, Watkins is now set to sign fresh terms with Aston Villa and commit his future to the Midlands club.

This news could well come as a blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans. The Gunners may well have been used as a bargaining tool by the 27-year-old striker’s representatives in order to engineer a better deal for the player with Villa.

Alternatively, Watkins’ new contract may include some kind of buy-out clause, in which case the door might not be entirely closed to Arsenal.

In any case, it is increasingly clear that Mikel Arteta wants to add more firepower to his squad. Brentford striker Ivan Toney has also been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, as reported by The Mirror. There is also talk of Victor Osimhen being a long-term target for the north London club.

Watkins not what Arsenal need

Arteta is on record about wanting his team to become more ruthless in front of goal. For all his quality in other aspects of the game, Gabriel Jesus is not prolific enough to fire Arsenal to a Premier League title. Equally, Eddie Nketiah is not of the standard required for the task.

There are doubts, though, that Watkins could elevate the Gunners to the next level. The 7-cap England international is a fine player, and was in great form for Aston Villa last season, bagging 15 Premier League goals. However, he is not world class.

That is the level Arsenal need to be shopping at now if they are serious about challenging for major honours on a regular basis. Nothing less than the very best will do.