🚨 URGENT UPDATE 🚨 | Arsenal has reached an agreement with Aston Villa to secure the signing of Ollie Watkins! The deal is set at £60 million, with an additional £5 million in add-ons. The bid has been accepted, and both clubs are now finalizing the payment structure. According to @David_Ornstein, an official announcement is expected soon before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal is on the brink of finalizing a major transfer deal for Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. The agreement is reportedly set at £60 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-based add-ons. Negotiations between the two clubs have been ongoing, and after previous rejections, they have now reached common ground. The final details of the payment structure are being discussed, and an official announcement is expected soon, well before the transfer window deadline.

Watkins has always admired Arsenal and has long dreamed of playing for the club. His excitement grew when Arsenal submitted a late bid after their initial offer of €48 million (£40 million) was turned down. Villa had recently received a substantial €80 million fee from Al-Nassr for Jhon Durán, making them more hesitant to sell Watkins for a lower amount. Despite the initial rejection, Watkins has remained hopeful about the transfer and is eager for the move to go through.

Arsenal’s latest offer of €72 million (£60 million) is much closer to Watkins’ estimated market value of €65.8 million. This improved bid increases the likelihood that Aston Villa will accept the deal. Watkins is eager to join the club he has supported since childhood, and Arsenal is determined to strengthen their attacking options before the window closes. The transfer is now in its final stages, with both clubs working on the finer details.

Villa’s decision may also depend on their own plans for replacing Watkins. Manager Unai Emery must determine whether Marcus Rashford, reportedly on Villa’s radar, can be relied upon to lead their attack. Additionally, Villa may be exploring alternative striker options, which could influence their willingness to part with Watkins at this stage of the season.

Arsenal, on the other hand, has backup plans in case the deal for Watkins falls through. Manager Mikel Arteta has been monitoring other attacking targets, including Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. If Arsenal cannot finalize the Watkins transfer in January, they may consider revisiting the move in the summer, although there is no certainty it will happen.

For Watkins, this transfer represents a significant moment in his career. Joining Arsenal would fulfill a lifelong dream, and he is keen to make the move happen. Given the competition for top strikers, this opportunity may not come again soon, increasing the urgency to finalize the transfer before the deadline.

As the final days of the transfer window unfold, much depends on Aston Villa’s willingness to complete the deal. If the move is confirmed, it will be a major milestone for Watkins, allowing him to play for a club he has admired for years. If it does not go through, he may have to wait until the summer for another opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed in football.

With time running out, Arsenal fans eagerly await official confirmation of the deal. Watkins’ arrival would bolster Arsenal’s attacking options and add depth to their squad as they continue their push for success. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the transfer materializes or if Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements.