Arsenal are desperate to sign attacking options before the deadline passes and may have been handed a last-ditch boost in their attempts.
Arsenal had a bid rejected for striker Ollie Watkins and after Aston Villa allowed Jhon Duran to depart for Al Nassr it seemed that hope of a deal for Watkins was over.
Watkins is keen to join Arsenal and there were hopes inside the Gunners that this could be a significant factor in forcing through a move.
Unai Emery is adamant that the England international is staying put but Villa’s recent transfer activity could suggest there is yet a twist in the Watkins saga.
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David Ornstein says Aston Villa close to agreeing a deal for Marcus Rashford
According to journalist David Ornstein, Aston Villa are close to agreeing a deal for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Ornstein has claimed that while the deal is not yet done, Villa are likely to cover most of Rashford’s wages and complete a loan with an option to buy on the England forward.
Rashford has struggled for game time at United under new boss Ruben Amorim but his style of play is very similar to that of Watkins.
Quick, likes to run in behind and a deadly finisher in front of goal, these are all attributes that could replace Watkins should he be allowed to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have been interested in Rashford in the past
Arsenal have been linked with Marcus Rashford themselves in the past but shelved any interest in the England international.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Villa’s pursuit of Rashford could indicate a new willingness to negotiate the release of Watkins. Aston Villa have also held interest in Joao Felix and Marco Asensio in recent days.
Watkins played and scored for Aston Villa in their Champions League victory over Celtic but has remained quiet on the speculation linking him to North London.
With the deadline looming on Monday 3rd February, it promises to be an exciting few days in the January transfer window.
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