Finances were one of the major contributing factors which led to Arsenal not signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before the January transfer window slammed shut.
Last week, the Gunners chose to make their move for Watkins having decided there was a substantial need for a new centre-forward as they pushed for the Premier League title. However, their bid of £40m was swiftly rejected by the West Midlands club with Unai Emery’s side requesting £60m for Watkins.
football.london understands Arsenal did not see £60m as good value for money for the striker. Watkins is 29-years-old and considering he would be a short to medium term option for the North London club, the finances did not add up for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Thanks to his support for Arsenal, Watkins was understood to have been interested in making a move to the Emirates Stadium had the Gunners reached an agreement with Villa. However, after their initial bid was rejected, this was always unlikely.
Watkins was also forced off with an injury in the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday and this could also have played a factor in Arsenal not re-entering negotiations for the England international. The Gunners are understood to be on a sound financial footing ahead of the summer transfer window and are likely to add to their attack at the end of the season.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres are all thought to be on the radar of Arsenal once the season ends. On Sunday, the Gunners’ exisiting players showed they could still offer a goalscoring threat after they bagged five against Manchester City in the Premier League.
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