Arsenal are preparing a spectacular second bid for striker Ollie Watkins while Aston Villa decide whether to sell the England international or Jhon Duran in the final days of the January transfer window.
The Gunners saw an opening bid rejected just hours before Villa’s Champions League match against Celtic, where Watkins scored and then missed a bizarre penalty, with Arsenal desperate to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline. Duran, who has received interest from multiple clubs this month, has been strongly linked with Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel wants to leave Bayern Munich and is now on Arsenal’s radar having interested Chelsea. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is seen as an alternative should they not manage to secure either Watkins or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, while Arsenal lead the race for Norwegian starlet Sverre Nypan.
Manchester United are closing in on a deal with Lecce for defender Patrick Dorgu but the club need to sell to buy, with Alejandro Garnacho possibly on the way out Marcus Rashford is also searching for a move away from Old Trafford, but only one club looks like a possible option this January.
Elsewhere, England international Chloe Kelly has published a statement asking to leave Manchester City before tonight’s Women’s Super League deadline, while Chelsea consider a late move for Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below
Jhon Duran subject to £64m Al Nassr bid
Jhon Duran was an unused substitute and was seen waving goodbye to fans at the end of Aston Villa’s win over Celtic, as the 21-year-old nears a £64m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Sky Sports report that Duran could undergo a medical in London on Thursday. Villa turned down a £57m bid from West Ham earlier this month.
“With Jhon Duran, you know more or less everything we are speaking here,” Unai Emery said. “He is a fantastic young player, fantastic potential. I was so close with him, trying to work with him in his development.
“But the player has the objective, sometimes they are impassioned. If they are leaving it is because they are doing another way in their career.”
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2025 07:17
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins stance revealed
Aston Villa maintain that Ollie Watkins is not for sale.
The England international signed a new five-year contract in 2023 so Villa re under no pressure to sell him.
Unai Emery said Villa want to keep Watkins, who pointed to the badge when scoring against Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2025 07:11
Arsenal ‘expected’ to make improve Watkins bid
Arsenal are expected to make an improved offer for Ollie Watkins after an opening bid was rejected by Aston Villa, according to Sky Sports.
Arsenal are aware that Villa have two star No 9s in Watkins and Jhon Duran, who don’t play together.
“I cannot talk about any of that, my confidence is that we have an amazing club and people working always to try to improve and let’s see what happens,” Arteta said on Wednesday night when asked about a bid for Watkins.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2025 07:09
Unai Emery on Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is determined to keep Ollie Watkins at the club this month amid offers from Arsenal
Just hours after news of the Gunners’ bid for Watkins broke, he scored for Villa in their 4-2 Champions League win over Celtic which booked a last-16 spot.
Emery was defiant in his stance on Watkins’ future, insisting he was “our striker” and that they would be “very demanding” with a price tag if they were to sell him.
Asked if he could say for certain Watkins would not be sold, the Spaniard said: “I don’t want (him to leave).”
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2025 07:05
Good morning
Hello and welcome to today’s transfer live. After a stunning move from Ollie Watkins, Arsenal are weighing up for another move for the England striker, while Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran is subject to late interest too.
We’ll bring you all the latest.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2025 06:59
