Arsenal faces setback in Ollie Watkins pursuit due to Duran agreement

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The Gunners are set to table a second bid for Ollie Watkins as the January transfer window draws to a close.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Ollie Watkins has hit a significant roadblock as Aston Villa is reportedly on the verge of agreeing to a £77 million deal with Al-Nassr for Jhon Duran. This potential agreement could scupper Arsenal’s chances of securing Watkins, as Villa is unlikely to let both of their star strikers leave in the same transfer window.

Watkins has been a key target for Arsenal, with the club already making an initial £60 million bid that was rejected. However, Villa’s resolve is being tested by the lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League club.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options, especially after the season-ending injury to Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners are now considering other options, including Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, but Watkins remains their primary target.