Arsenal warned they’re wasting their time ‘pushing’ for Ollie Watkins transfer

Arsenal -legend Martin Keown believes that his former club wastes their time by focusing on Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal has had a £ 60 million offer for Watkins rejected by Villa, but they are planning to make an improved offer. Villa, however, does not want to sell the English international, with fellow striker Jhon Duran at the point to join Al-Nassr in a deal worth € 77 million (£ 64.5 million) plus add-ons.

Arsenal is desperate to sign an attacker with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus who are currently sidelined with serious injuries. “My opinion is clear – we have lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, so we miss goals, people and options in the front line, it is clear,” said Mikel Arteta manager last week.

“If we can get the right player, that's what we are actively looking at, but every player – no. We need someone who makes us better and has an impact on the team, it is clear that for the period that we ideally they ideally have lost, we need some help because we were already short and we are even shorter.

However, they no longer have time to conclude a deal with the transfer window of January to close in less than a week. “They are connected to Ollie Watkins,” said Keown on TNT Sports prior to Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“It's an interesting because he is a decent player. I would like him. I don't think Villa will accept the deal. They have two very good strikers there, so they can eventually continue.

“Or maybe they both stay, I don't know. But Arsenal certainly pushes the last few days of the transfer window and they have to strike.”

Arsenal is also interested in Mathys Tel, with the 19-year-old attacker who pushes away from Bayern Munich this month. So far, Tel has only made three starts in all matches this season and wants more playing time.

However, a number of other clubs are also interested in signing Tel, including Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. The teenager will look for guarantees about playing time before he makes decisions.