“Having agreed to join Arsenal Today as my childhood Club, I have finally requested for this Particular Jersey number, if Arteta fails to get it for me then there will be no point of me Joining”, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins have finally agreed to join Arsenal Today amid recent transfer report.

Arsenal’s pursuit of a top-class striker has taken an intriguing turn as Ollie Watkins has reportedly agreed to join the Gunners—but with one major condition. The Aston Villa star, who has been on Arsenal’s radar for months, is said to be excited about fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for the North London club. However, reports indicate that Watkins has made a firm demand regarding his preferred jersey number, and if the club fails to grant it, the deal could collapse at the last minute.

Arsenal’s search for a prolific forward has been well-documented, especially after their emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s men have shown glimpses of title-winning form this season, but the manager remains keen on reinforcing his attack before the transfer window shuts. Watkins, who has been Aston Villa’s standout performer in recent years, has emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Arsenal’s frontline.

Last season, Watkins delivered an outstanding campaign, contributing directly to 40 goals across all competitions. His combination of pace, power, and finishing ability has made him one of the Premier League’s most sought-after strikers. So far this season, he has already recorded 20 goal contributions, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier forward.

Arsenal initially faced resistance from Aston Villa regarding Watkins’ availability, especially after the departure of Jhon Durán, which left Villa short of striking options. However, the financial situation at Villa Park has reportedly put the club in a difficult position, with reports suggesting that they are close to their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limits. This has encouraged Arsenal to make a move, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on Villa’s financial constraints.

According to reports, Arsenal’s first bid for Watkins was in the region of £40 million, but Villa rejected it outright. The club is believed to be holding out for at least £60 million, a figure they feel reflects the striker’s value. Given Watkins’ impact, age, and contract length, Villa is in a strong negotiating position.

Despite the financial demands, Arsenal remains determined to sign Watkins before the window closes. However, the situation has now taken a dramatic twist with the striker’s jersey number request. It is unclear which specific number he has requested, but sources close to the player suggest it holds deep personal significance for him.

Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board now face a crucial decision. While signing a player of Watkins’ quality would undoubtedly enhance their title chances, accommodating his request could create complications, especially if another key player currently wears the desired number. Arsenal will have to carefully navigate the situation to avoid internal conflicts within the squad.

Another concern for Arsenal is Watkins’ recent injury scare. During Villa’s clash against Wolves, he suffered a muscular injury and had to be substituted at halftime. The severity of the injury remains uncertain, and if it rules him out for a significant period, Arsenal might be reluctant to meet Villa’s financial demands.

With the transfer deadline looming, Arsenal is running out of time to make a decision. If they fail to act swiftly, they risk losing out on Watkins, a player who has the potential to transform their attacking options. The pressure is now on Arteta and Edu to finalize the deal before it’s too late.

Fans have been quick to react to the news, with many expressing their excitement about the prospect of Watkins leading Arsenal’s attack. However, others have raised concerns about whether the club should be prioritizing a different striker, given the financial constraints Arsenal is also facing.

Watkins’ decision to push for a specific jersey number is not entirely unusual in football. Many top players have preferences regarding their shirt numbers, often tied to personal milestones or superstitions. The real question now is whether Arsenal values Watkins enough to accommodate his demand.

If Arsenal meets Watkins’ request, it could be a clear indication that the club is willing to go the extra mile to secure their top transfer target. However, if they refuse, the entire deal could collapse, leaving Arteta scrambling for alternatives at the last minute.

Arsenal has been linked with several other strikers in case the Watkins deal falls through. The likes of Ivan Toney, Dusan Vlahovic, and Victor Osimhen have all been mentioned, but each of those targets comes with its own complications. Watkins, given his Premier League experience and playing style, seems to be Arteta’s preferred choice.

As the final hours of the transfer window tick away, all eyes will be on Arsenal to see whether they can get the deal over the line. Will they meet Watkins’ jersey number demand, or will they walk away from the deal? The next few hours could be decisive for Arsenal’s season.