Arsenal face struggle to sign Ollie Watkins despite ‘good news’ over transfer bid | OneFootball

Aston Villa are reluctant to lose both Watkins and Jhon Duran before Monday’s transfer deadline

Arsenal face an uphill battle in their bid to sign Ollie Watkins, with Aston Villa unwilling to lose both the England striker and Jhon Duran before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Gunners want to sign a forward in the final days of the window and have had an approach for Watkins turned down.

It is unclear if Arsenal will return with a fresh offer but negotiations with Villa will prove difficult because fellow striker Duran is closing in on an exit from Villa Park.

Duran is in advanced talks over a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as part of a deal that will initially be worth over £60million.

Jhon Duran is in advanced talks over a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr

Action Images via Reuters

The 21-year-old Colombian is reportedly set to undergo a medical in London on Thursday before signing a long-term contract.

Duran has been the subject of interest this month from West Ham, who had a bid for him rejected.

The departure of Duran would have a negative impact on any move Arsenal were hoping to complete for Watkins.

The two strikers have been vying to lead the line under Unai Emery this season and Villa do not plan on losing both of them in the same window.

At present, Duran looks more likely to leave given a deal is in place for him to join Al Nassr.

“I don’t want (him to leave),” Emery said on Watkins after Villa’s 3-2 Champions League win over Celtic on Wednesday.

It is good news to have offers from other clubs ... to get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker

Unai Emery on Ollie Watkins

“It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.

“Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”

On Duran, Emery added: “Our players are interesting other clubs and as well [they are] paying good money for us.

"But of course our objective here is to keep our structure intelligently because we want to be on the sports side on the level we are and to keep it for a long time is the most difficult challenge we have.

"Of course sometimes we have to do it, maybe sell some players and as well change and try to continue improving always.

"I don't know exactly until everything is done if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is leaving it is good news for us because it means they are paying good money.

"Because we have developed one young player in two years to get this offer. It is not only for the club, it is the club, the players and team, those circumstances can be positive. Club, the player and the team."

Arsenal could be forced to look elsewhere if a move for Watkins is not possible and Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel may emerge as an option.

Bayern have confirmed the 19-year-old can leave before the deadline and he has been offered to several Premier League clubs.