Officially Completed! ✅️ Arsenal has secured the signing of Ollie Watkins, along with a loan deal for Mathys Tel, confirming a double transfer boost. The club director has confirmed the team’s striker recruitment strategy. Arsenal’s first signing of the January window has already arrived in London, with the official announcement set to take place later today.

Mikel Arteta is looking to make decisive moves in the final stretch of the January transfer window, with as many as four new signings potentially joining Arsenal. While no major deals have been completed so far, the club’s interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has grown significantly. This could be a game-changer for Arsenal before the window closes, provided negotiations go in their favor.

Reports suggest that Arsenal has already submitted an offer of around £45 million for Watkins, but Aston Villa has turned it down. Watkins recently showcased his talent in a Champions League match against Celtic, playing a crucial role in his team’s 4-2 victory. His performance further highlighted why Villa values him highly and is unwilling to let him go easily. Both Unai Emery and Arteta have spoken about the situation, but neither has provided concrete updates.

Arsenal remains determined to secure Watkins, but the situation is complicated by other ongoing transfers. Villa’s Jhon Duran is close to a £64 million move to Saudi club Al-Nassr. The likelihood of both strikers leaving at the same time seems low, meaning Arsenal may need to wait and see if Duran’s deal falls through or if Villa finds a replacement. Additionally, Chelsea’s Joao Felix has been linked with Villa, which could play a role in determining Watkins’ future.

If Duran’s transfer is not finalized, Arsenal might still have a chance to make an improved bid for Watkins. Should both Villa forwards depart, the club will likely seek reinforcements, with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel emerging as a potential target. The 19-year-old is also being tracked by Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, with Spurs reportedly willing to pay £50.2 million for a permanent deal. Tel will take his time to decide, and Arsenal could be an attractive destination for him.

Having spent a significant part of the season on the sidelines, Tel is eager for more playing time, which Arsenal could offer. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries, additional attacking options would be beneficial for the team. Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri has recovered from a minor injury, but Arteta may be cautious about overusing the young midfielder.

Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz could all benefit from reduced playing time in certain matches. Havertz could also shift back to midfield, allowing Martinelli and Trossard to compete for the left-wing role. This tactical flexibility would help Arsenal maintain squad balance while dealing with injuries and fatigue.

Another factor in Arsenal’s plans is Raheem Sterling’s struggles since his loan from Chelsea. Arteta has clarified that Sterling will not be returning to Chelsea, but if a loan deal for Tel can be arranged, the club might consider cutting Sterling’s loan short to prioritize a younger and more promising player.

In terms of departures, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji could be sent out on loan to an EFL club for more experience. A permanent move in the summer remains a strong possibility for the 22-year-old. Given his development needs, allowing him to play elsewhere for the next six months would be a logical decision for both Arsenal and the player’s future.