Arsenal to agree Ollie Watkins deal? ‘It just confirms all along…’
Arsenal are unlikely to agree a big-money deal to sign Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins before the transfer window closes on Monday (3 February).
That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider there is no value for Villa in selling the England international after Jhon Duran joined Al-Nassr for more than £64million.
The Telegraph reported on 30 January Arsenal’s bid for Watkins was worth around £45million after it was initially believed to be in the region of £60million.
Football Insider revealed on 31 January the north London giants are hoping to play on the 29-year-old’s heartstrings as he is a boyhood fan of the club.
But the forward remains a key player for Unai Emery’s side after registering 11 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances this season.
Arsenal to face issues agreeing striker deal
Borson insisted it will be difficult for Arsenal to sign a striker this late in the window.
He told Football Insider: “I think the Watkins bid just confirms they have always had capacity all the way along.
“That’s not a surprise to anybody that looks at the numbers. It’s been a choice.
“They seem to have left it a little bit late. I guess they would argue that they have had injuries that they wouldn’t expect in this window and ordinarily wouldn’t want to do a deal. They also lost the sporting director.
“But you could also say that the level that they have bid is neither here nor there. Apparently, they bid less than £60million. If they bid £50million, the actual cost in this financial year is negligible, even for a player like Watkins.
“But they are just not realistically going to get him. I think you then look at the importance of youth. Watkins is 29 and they just don’t think there is the value there to pay more than £60million.
“But clearly, there is also not value in Villa selling him, especially after they have just sold Duran. I don’t think the deal will happen and I don’t know what that means for Arsenal. They have obviously got money.
“They could do a deal but finding a striker at the 11th hour in the window is very hard.”
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