Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month, despite Aston Villa’s insistence on maintaining the England international.
Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that the Gunners’ approach for Watkins was turned down, despite assurances that a successful move was possible.
Arsenal had a chance to sign the 29-year-old on Thursday, even though they knew Villa would not consider transferring Watkins and his strike partner Jhon Duran in the same window.
Duran’s signing with the Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr is all but guaranteed.
In an effort to salvage the deal, Arsenal is now contemplating a second offer, but it appears highly unlikely that it will be successful if Duran completes his move to the Middle East.
Watkins is open to joining Arsenal, the team he grew up rooting for, provided the two parties can come to an agreement.
If a deal for the forward doesn’t materialize this month, Arsenal is anticipated to boost their forward line this summer, so this may be Watkins’ final opportunity to join the team he grew up admiring.
If a deal cannot be made, Arsenal may try to sign Mathys Tel, a 19-year-old Frenchman who plays for Bayern Munich.
Tel is also attracting interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.