Arsenal is preparing for a dramatic end to the January transfer window, with club director Edu Gaspar confirming an ambitious plan to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad. After a relatively slow start to the window, the club is now actively pursuing multiple reinforcements, including a high-profile striker signing, a loan deal for a promising talent, and potential departures to maintain balance within the squad. With time running out before the deadline, the Gunners are making decisive moves to enhance their chances in the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
One of Arsenal’s primary targets is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, a player they have been pursuing for several weeks. Despite submitting a £45 million bid, the offer was rejected as Villa remains firm on their valuation. Arsenal now faces the decision of whether to increase their bid or explore alternative options. Watkins has continued to impress, recently showcasing his abilities in Villa’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Celtic, which reaffirmed his value as a reliable goal scorer and pressing forward—qualities Arteta highly values.
However, negotiations for Watkins are complicated by Aston Villa’s ongoing transfer dealings. Villa is close to finalizing a £64 million sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. If this transfer is completed, Villa may be reluctant to lose Watkins in the same window without securing a replacement. Arsenal’s chances of signing Watkins could hinge on whether Villa successfully brings in reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea’s Joao Felix could play a crucial role in determining Watkins’ future. Villa has been linked with a move for the Portuguese forward, and if they secure his signing, it could pave the way for Watkins’ departure. Arsenal is keeping a close watch on these developments, aware that their time to strengthen the squad is running out. They are determined to secure a top-class striker, whether it is Watkins or an alternative target.
Alongside their pursuit of Watkins, Arsenal is also working on a loan deal for Bayern Munich’s young forward Mathys Tel. The 19-year-old has struggled for consistent playing time under Thomas Tuchel, and while Bayern is unwilling to let him leave permanently, a short-term loan could be a viable compromise. Arsenal faces competition from several Premier League rivals, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham. However, Tel is reportedly more interested in joining the Gunners, as Arteta has assured him of more opportunities in the first team.
If Tel arrives at Arsenal, it could impact the current squad, particularly Raheem Sterling, who joined on loan earlier in the season but has struggled to make a meaningful impact. Arteta has publicly dismissed rumors of cutting Sterling’s loan short, but Tel’s arrival could force a reconsideration. Additionally, young forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji may be loaned out to an EFL club to gain valuable experience, with a permanent transfer in the summer also being a possibility.
With a congested fixture list, Arteta is focused on squad management to keep his players fresh. Ethan Nwaneri has recovered from a minor injury, but Arteta is cautious about overusing him. This could lead to increased playing time for other attackers, such as Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz, who may even be deployed in a deeper midfield role to offer more tactical flexibility.
As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Arsenal is still considering additional reinforcements beyond Watkins and Tel. Sources suggest they are keeping an eye on other attacking options in case negotiations for their primary targets fall through. Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been mentioned as a possible alternative, but his high valuation remains a significant obstacle. With one signing already in London for a medical, Arsenal fans eagerly await official confirmations. The final hours of the window will be decisive in shaping the squad for the remainder of the season, as the club pushes to strengthen its title challenge and maintain its competitive edge across all competitions.
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