Mikel Arteta has refused to discuss Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins but said the club are working hard to sign a striker.
Arsenal failed with a £60m bid to sign the 29-year-old earlier this week, with Villa turning down the proposal. Villa are understood to have been angered by the timing of Arsenal’s offer.
“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal!” 🔴👀
Boyhood Arsenal fan Ollie Watkins said this while at Brentford in 2020 – the Aston Villa forward was subject to a bid from the Gunners last night with a follow-up expected 💰
[📹 via @SportsGazette on YouTube] pic.twitter.com/JElgC6rQmo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 30, 2025
Arteta has made signing a striker a priority before the deadline for business on February 3rd, amid injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Speaking ahead of the club’s clash with Manchester City this weekend, he refused to discuss Watkins specifically but said work is ongoing to bring in reinforcements.
“I’m not going to talk about any individuals, we’re actively looking to find a solution in that position and we’ll see what the market brings,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
Arteta was asked whether Arsenal’s focus would be on signing an experienced forward, but said the only criteria for additions is whether they improve his squad.
“We don’t really look at the market in those terms. We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking and who can bring something that can potentially make us much better.
“Regardless of age or the background they have is a real belief that a player can be really good for us.
“We have the ambition and purpose to try to help the team, support the squad to be better and to finish the season strongly. We’re actively trying to do that.”
