Arsenal are facing a huge Ollie Watkins transfer decision after Aston Villa rejected their opening bid for the striker. Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking ranks with the 29-year-old seemingly identified as the priority to bring in before deadline day.
Following the news emerging on Wednesday, the England international responded in emphatic fashion by grabbing two assists and scoring in a 4-2 Champions League win against Celtic. A second and improved offer could yet arrive with Watkins, as a boyhood Arsenal fan, appearing keen on the move.
However, as Jhon Duran is set for a lucrative move to Al-Nassr, Watkins also leaving in January appears extremely unlikely. Unless a significant second offer arrives or Duran’s Saudi Pro League switch collapses, the Gunners may have to look elsewhere.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at five potential alternatives which includes a former Manchester City star and an exciting teenager being targeted by four other Premier League clubs.
Mathys Tel
Perhaps the most obvious candidate, given the lack of risk in the long-term, would be signing Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich. The France international wants to leave in January but is said to prefer a temporary move despite a formal offer for a permanent transfer from Tottenham.
The 19-year-old played for Bayern in the Champions League earlier this week and appeared to say his goodbyes to the home fans. Alongside Tottenham, Manchester United have made contact over the possibility of a loan deal while Chelsea and Aston Villa are also interested.
Victor Boniface
Arteta is not the only man to have been impacted by Duran’s move to the Middle East with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface denied a move to Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League side were in negotiations for both before deciding to move for Duran.
With Leverkusen having seemingly accepted his possible exit, Arsenal could swoop in towards deadline day especially as the German club are also interested in a loan move for Evan Ferguson which would likely only be possible if Boniface departs.
Mateo Retegui
One potentially wildcard option is a name that may be familiar to Arsenal in Matio Retegui. The Atalanta striker is having a great season, despite the fact he missed a penalty against the Gunners in the Champions League, with 19 goals scored.
Though he only arrived in Bergamo this past summer, Retegui has been playing very well and that could see the Gunners make a last-ditch attempt to acquire his services this month.
Liam Delap
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has taken to the Premier League like a complete natural after joining from Man City. Though he has only scored eight goals this season, in a much better team, he could thrive and that may well explain interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.
The Tractor Boys are unlikely to let him go given he will be pivotal to their hopes of avoiding relegation, but a significant package from Arsenal could change that stance.
Evan Ferguson
The final option for Arsenal may require a number of things to happen. At the start of January, Brighton made it clear they would only sanction a loan for Ferguson.
With Raheem Sterling and Neto already at the club on temporary spells, Arsenal are unable to sanction another loan unless one of those two names returns to Chelsea and Bournemouth, respectively. However, a permanent departure from Amex Stadium is now possible with £40million mooted as the asking price.
Though he has struggled with injuries, Arteta could look to take advantage of such a unique market opportunity especially as he is only 20.
