Aston Villa’s January switch window has taken a dramatic flip, with essential choices looming over the futures of each Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins.
With Arsenal ramping up their pursuit of Watkins and Al Nassr pushing to safe Duran, Villa discover themselves at a pivotal crossroads.
Jhon Duran’s transfer to Al Nassr to impression Watkins’ future
In response to famend journalist Ben Jacobs, Villa are extra inclined to half methods with Duran than Watkins, regardless of Arsenal’s robust curiosity within the latter.
Al Nassr, one of many largest golf equipment within the Saudi Professional League, have expressed severe intent to signal Duran, with the Colombian ahead reportedly already agreeing private phrases. The 21-year-old is keen to make the transfer, however Villa have but to finalise their resolution.
Including additional intrigue, Al Nassr even have a verbal settlement with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface. They’re awaiting Villa’s affirmation on Duran earlier than deciding which striker to signal, making the scenario much more delicate.
Arsenal’s shock bid for Watkins rejected
In the meantime, Arsenal made headlines with a shock bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins prior to now few hours. The provide was swiftly rejected, however the Gunners stay undeterred and are anticipated to return with an improved bid earlier than the window closes.
Arsenal’s urgency stems from their harm disaster and the urgent want for attacking reinforcements. Nevertheless, Villa are reportedly pissed off with the timing of Arsenal’s method, viewing it as disruptive amid ongoing negotiations for Duran’s potential exit.
Ben Jacobs has advised that Villa’s willingness to promote Watkins to Arsenal might rely on whether or not Duran leaves for Al Nassr. If Duran departs, Villa are unlikely to entertain any affords for Watkins, additional complicating the Gunners’ pursuit.
Taking to X to clarify the present scenario surrounding Watkins, Duran, Arsenal and Aston Villa, Jacobs said:
“Price noting because it stands, Jhon Duran is extra more likely to exit Villa than Watkins. Villa have engaged with Al-Nassr and never given Arsenal encouragement over Watkins. Villa sad with the timing of #AFC’s method. Saudi window shuts on Friday, so if Duran does go away for Al-Nassr, as an alternative of Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, then #AFC’s hopes of signing Watkins will finish earlier than the weekend.”
Price noting because it stands, Jhon Duran is extra more likely to exit Villa than Watkins. Villa have engaged with Al-Nassr and never given Arsenal encouragement over Watkins. Villa sad with the timing of #AFC‘s method. Saudi window shuts on Friday, so if Duran does go away for Al-Nassr,… https://t.co/WshVmlgWJw
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 29, 2025
Ollie Watkins stays a key participant for Aston Villa
Watkins has been in excellent type this season, scoring 10 targets and offering 5 assists in 23 Premier League appearances. His significance to Unai Emery’s squad can’t be overstated, and Villa will demand an enormous payment if they’re to think about parting methods with their star striker.
Having seen a £60m provide turned down, Arsenal might want to submit a considerably improved provide to face any likelihood of hanging a deal.
Ought to Duran go away, Villa are anticipated to close the door on Arsenal’s advances for Watkins, strengthening their resolve to maintain their main goal-scoring menace.
