Arsenal might have received a small advantage in their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with ESPN journalist James Olley reporting that the striker is ‘open’ to a move to north London. However, any deal for the Englishman could be ‘complicated,’ and it may not materialize during the January transfer window.

Arsenal has been looking for a striker for several months, with interest in players like Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, though no deals have been finalized. On Wednesday, reports emerged that Arsenal made a bid for Watkins. While nothing is settled yet, Olley mentioned that the player is open to the transfer.

Olley: Watkins ‘Would Like’ to Join Arsenal

Watkins has been linked with the Gunners recently.

Ollie Watkins applauding Villa’s fans

Olley commented:

“Arsenal had a bid rejected by Aston Villa for striker Ollie Watkins. This follows their assessment of options after realizing Benjamin Sesko wouldn’t leave Leipzig this month.

“Watkins is one of the players they’ve been monitoring for some time, as they know they need to strengthen their attacking ranks.

“Of course, losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury has worsened the situation, but they were short upfront even before that. They opted against a striker signing last summer when Sesko extended his Leipzig deal.

“The Watkins situation is tricky. He would like the move and has expressed that joining Arsenal is a dream. However, it’s challenging due to the timing of the window closing and uncertainty surrounding Villa’s other forward, Jhon Duran, who’s attracting interest from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

“The Saudi Pro League transfer window shuts on Friday, three days before the Premier League deadline. The timing of Arsenal’s bid hasn’t gone down well with Villa, especially as it came just hours before their Champions League clash against Celtic.”

Arsenal’s Need for a New Striker

The Gunners require a reliable striker with Gabriel Jesus sidelined.

Mikel Arteta acknowledging Arsenal supporters

Arsenal’s need for a striker is urgent, given Gabriel Jesus will be out for the season. Mikel Arteta cannot rely solely on Kai Havertz to lead the line, especially with the club competing across three fronts. A new forward to complement or challenge Havertz is crucial.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ollie Watkins has scored 69 goals in 169 Premier League matches for Aston Villa.

Watkins’ remarkable 19 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League last season helped Villa secure a Champions League spot. While this season hasn’t quite matched that level, Villa remains in the hunt for European football, with Watkins playing a pivotal role—his performance being lauded as “phenomenal” by Ben Foster.

If he joins Arsenal, they could strengthen their challenge for the title, particularly against Liverpool.