Arsenal sources believe that Ollie Watkins is open to joining the club in the January transfer window, Arsenal Insider understands.
It comes after a huge move was made by the Gunners to help bolster the ranks available to Mikel Arteta this season.
An initial £40million bid was made by Arsenal for Watkins, though Aston Villa rejected the offer almost immediately.
With just days remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether the North London club will be lodging another offer.
However, it appears as though Arsenal believe that a deal can be struck with Villa for Watkins late in the market.
Arsenal stance on Ollie Watkins transfer following bid rejection
With a race against time to get a deal over the line, Arsenal could face the possibility of missing out on a forward altogether.
However, the bid for Watkins is the latest sign of intent that they are willing to invest in the right players at the right time and for the right price.
Following that offer, Arsenal Insider spoke to TBR Football’s head of transfers Graeme Bailey to get the latest on the situation.
He said: “Aston Villa are really not happy about Arsenal and the way this has come about, indeed they can be described as furious.
“We know Watkins is a confirmed Arsenal fan, but I am told Arsenal believe the player would like the move and Arsenal clearly think a deal could be done.
“It remains to be seen what Arsenal do next, but Villa are really angry with the timing before the game with Celtic and the reasoning behind it.”
Whether that feeling from Aston Villa impacts the deal is unclear, not least with such an important game in the season for the Midlands outfit.
However, the fact that Arsenal feel Watkins is open to a switch could help push through a deal in the final days before the window slams shut.
What Ollie Watkins has said about Arsenal and being a fan
One thing that could help Arsenal is the fact that the star has revealed that he is a fan of the club from a young age.
Speaking back in 2020 to the Sports Gazette, he said: “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot.
He continued: “I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he’s unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really.”
Considering the fact that he has already outlined his desire to play for Arsenal, it could come as a huge boost to the side in the transfer hunt.
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