There are a handful of deals that are in the pipeline for Arsenal but time is running out to get a transfer completed that would give the team a huge boost in the Premier League title race
Arsenal fans are anxious to see whether the Gunners will make any signings in the January transfer window as February 3rd’s deadline approaches next week.
Mikel Arteta’s men are eager to bring in a new forward after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has emerged as a major target, though it will be tough to convince the Midlands outfit to sell their star man this close to the deadline.
There are a handful of deals that are in the pipeline for Arsenal but time is running out to get a transfer completed that would give the team a huge boost in the title race.
Mirror Football takes a look through the biggest Arsenal transfer news and rumours as we appraoch deadline day.
Ollie Watkins makes decision on his future
Watkins is the man every Arsenal fan wants at the Emirates given his pedigree in front of goal – and the club’s lack of a recognised No 9. Watkins would seem like a natural fit for Arsenal after admitting he is a supporter of the club, as well as his whole family.
However, a move to the Emirates will be hard to pull off given that Villa are selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £64m – so cannot afford to let both of their top strikers leave.
And Watkins has now broken Arsenal’s hearts by deciding to stay at Aston Villa until at least the end of the season. Arsenal have already seen a bid rejected for Watkins and it’s likely this transfer saga has drawn to a close for the time being after Villa boss Unai Emery revealed that the player told him he wants to stay.
“Yes, he is happy to stay. You can ask him, but we asked him how he is feeling every day, every year he has been here with Aston Villa, with us and without us. He is happy to stay.”
Asked to elaborate, Emery added: “The commitment of Ollie Watkins with us is a huge commitment, he appreciates a lot how Aston Villa was always supporting him, helping him, and when we joined him here two years ago, how we worked with him, always trying to get the best of him.
“Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa. The conversation we are having usually, I am speaking with him a lot, he is always adapting of every circumstance we have in the squad and individually with him.
Arsenal suffer Nypan setback
One transfer that looked certain to happen for Arsenal was young Norwegian starlet Sverre Nypan, who has been turning heads for his club Rosenborg.
The 18-year-old has huge interest from Arsenal, as well as Manchester City and United – though it was the Gunners who had been leading the race.
Talks had started between Arsenal and Rosenborg, though no deal came to fruition and now it’s been reported that Nypan has decided to stay at Rosenborg until the summer.
The Athletic have claimed Arsenal were ready to start integrating Nypan into their first team, with his countryman Martin Odegaard acting as a mentor.
But Nypan has put his future to bed – at least for now – by committing to stay with Rosenborg in another blow for Arsenal in a difficult transfer window.
Nypan, who plays as a central midfielder, has already picked up 60 appearances, scoring 13 times, despite only being a teenager.
Newcastle stance on Isak
Alexander Isak’s links to Arsenal refuse to go away – even though Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has repeatedly insisted the Swedish forward is not for sale.
Arsenal look to be turning their attentions to Watkins after being discouraged from bidding for Isak – and now Howe has sent out a warning to his star striker, plus any player who might be tempted to secure a move away.
Isak is becoming one of the top forwards in the Premier League after netting 17 goals in 21 league games this season, helping Newcastle go fifth and level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City.
Howe said every Newcastle player should be ambitious to playing in Europe’s elite by helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League once again – rather than looking to move to a rival.
“Those players you’re talking about need to perform to confirm that they want to play there (Champions League), that they want to play there with us – that has to be the aim and the ambition, not looking elsewhere.
“The determination and resolve within the squad that I have seen in recent weeks has been very strong. They have been hugely motivated. We have put a great run together and have put ourselves in a great position.
“But this is the important part of the season now. We’re coming down to the games where we need to keep winning, to keep the run of form and stay in and around where we are and really push. So the message to them is to focus on that.”
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