The ‘door was clearly opened’ for Arsenal to sign ‘incredible’ striker on deadline day but Mikel Arteta decided not to

Arsenal finished the winter transfer window without adding any reinforcements to their squad, a decision that has left many fans puzzled. With the Gunners trailing six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, Mikel Arteta’s side desperately needed a boost, particularly in attack. However, despite being linked with several strikers, no move materialized, not even on deadline day.

New reports have emerged, revealing that Arsenal had a golden opportunity to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, but Arteta and the club’s hierarchy opted against it.

Arsenal’s Last-Minute Pursuit of Watkins

Ollie Watkins emerged as a surprise target for Arsenal in the final days of the transfer window. The Aston Villa forward has been one of the most consistent strikers in the Premier League, delivering impressive performances season after season. While he may not receive as much attention as Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak, his goal contributions speak for themselves.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Watkins directly contributed to 40 goals, and his form this season has been equally remarkable, already netting 20 times. His goal-scoring prowess and versatility made him an attractive option for Arsenal.

Aston Villa’s Stance and Arsenal’s Hesitation

According to David Ornstein, Aston Villa were open to negotiating a deal for Watkins, but only at the right price. Despite Arsenal making an initial approach, no significant talks took place after their first bid was turned down.

Speaking on The Athletic’s podcast, Ornstein explained:

“On Watkins, naturally, these things are not easy when it gets to such a late point in the window. Clearly, Villa gave Arsenal the opportunity to do this deal or at least have a conversation based on a £60 million valuation.”

Arsenal, however, were unwilling to meet that valuation and instead suggested a figure closer to £40 million. With Villa firm in their stance, Arsenal opted not to pursue the deal further.

Was £60m Too Much for Watkins?

While some believe that Watkins’ valuation was steep for a 29-year-old forward, others argue that Arsenal should have paid the price to strengthen their squad for the title race. Ornstein emphasized that Villa were serious about their asking price:

“Villa were being serious when they suggested £60 million because that’s where they value him. If they needed to balance their books with PSR and whatever else, that was the number.”

Despite the door being open at that level, Arsenal refused to go beyond their £40 million offer. This left many wondering whether the club truly intended to sign a striker in January.

Watkins Would Have Pushed for the Move

One of the most intriguing aspects of this situation is that Ollie Watkins is an Arsenal fan. He has previously expressed his admiration for the club and his dream of playing for them.

Ornstein suggested that had the deal progressed further, Watkins might have pushed for a move. However, with Arsenal failing to make a concrete second bid, the deal never got close to happening.

“Now, clearly, for somebody who has gone on record as saying he’s an Arsenal supporter as a boy and that it would have been his dream move, perhaps Watkins would have pushed for it if it came close. But it didn’t come close. Arsenal never went back or made a more serious attempt.”

Arsenal’s Transfer Decision Could Backfire

By failing to sign a striker, Arsenal are now heavily reliant on Kai Havertz to lead the line. The German international has been playing as a No.9 in recent weeks, but with Arsenal fighting on multiple fronts, the lack of an alternative could prove costly.

Havertz has been working tirelessly and has already shown signs of fatigue. With no natural backup striker, any injury to him could spell disaster for Arsenal’s title ambitions. The club has Gabriel Jesus, but he has struggled with injuries, while Eddie Nketiah has not proven to be a consistent goal threat.

Missed Opportunity in a Tight Title Race

The Premier League title race is expected to go down to the wire, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City all in contention. Every point will count, and failing to sign a reliable goal-scorer could make a significant difference.

By contrast, Liverpool strengthened their squad with Wataru Endo, and Manchester City continue to rely on Erling Haaland, who guarantees goals. Arsenal, however, have taken a gamble, hoping that their existing squad has enough firepower to compete.

What Next for Arsenal?

With the January window now closed, Arsenal’s focus shifts entirely to on-field performances. Mikel Arteta will have to maximize his squad’s potential and find ways to keep his forwards fresh.

The summer window may provide another opportunity to strengthen, but if Arsenal fail to win the league due to a lack of attacking options, this missed opportunity to sign Ollie Watkins will haunt them.

For now, Arsenal fans will hope that their manager’s decision not to sign a striker does not cost them the ultimate prize.