Arsenal have reportedly decided not to renew their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners shocked many in the Premier League when they approached Villa for their 29-year-old striker this winter. Watkins has been impressive this campaign and now has 14 goals and 12 assists to his name but Arsenal were unable to agree on a deal.
This would prove costly for Arsenal particularly as they were left lacking a recognised striker for the remainder of this season. Both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffered season-ending injuries at the beginning of this year which made missing out on Watkins even more disappointing.
According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal will not bid for Watkins again this summer as they want to prioritise a move for a striker who is younger. It is thought that the Gunners only approached Villa in January opportunistically as they were aware that the West Midlands club needed to sell either Watkins or Jhon Duran.
At the time, Duran's move to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr was in doubt and Arsenal felt that if it was to fall through, they could snap up Watkins. However, as was proven, Duran would leave for the Middle East and Villa could keep their star forward.
Arsenal felt they would have been confident of luring Watkins to the Emirates Stadium should talks advance considering his boyhood support for the Gunners. Speaking in a 2020 interview with Sports Gazette, he said: "Thierry Henry, as an Arsenal fan, was unbelievable to watch.
"He was my idol growing up. The dream is to play for Arsenal one day but it's a long shot.
"My family support them and stuff like that but that's the long term." Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United's Alexander Isak have both been linked with the Gunners ahead of the summer transfer window.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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