Ollie Watkins to Arsenal transfer shock as Aston Villa respond
Aston Villa have reportedly turned down a £60m bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins.
The striker has emerged as a target for the Gunners in the final days of the winter transfer window and they will likely return with an improved offer. Watkins, who joined Villa in the summer of 2020, has scored 69 league goals for the club and is only six away from breaking their all-time Premier League goals record, currently held by Gabby Agbonlahor.
He has hit double figures in all five league campaigns he has played for Villa after bagging his 10th league goal of the campaign in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal earlier this month. Then, after assisting Jacob Ramsey in the draw with West Ham last weekend, Watkins reached 100 goal involvements in the fewest Premier League games (169) by any player since Kevin De Bruyne achieved the milestone in 155 matches in July 2020.
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Villa are looking to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea before the deadline on February 3, with a move for the Portuguese likely dependent on a big sale. Jhon Duran has been courted by Al-Nassr, who are set to spend big on a striker.
The Saudi Pro League side have an agreement in place to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, but they are yet to decide which one they’d like to sign. L’Equipe reported on Tuesday evening that Duran has already agreed terms with Al-Nassr.
In an update, it has been reported by Fabrizio Romano that Al-Nassr are closing in on an agreement with Villa for Duran in a deal worth €75m plus add-ons.
