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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has shed light on why Arsenal failed to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins during the January transfer window, despite being in urgent need of attacking reinforcements.
Watkins had been instrumental in Aston Villa’s impressive form under manager Unai Emery until the mid-season arrivals of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan. The new signings appear to have limited the England international’s opportunities, leading to a rare emotional interview after Villa’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle last weekend.
The 29-year-old’s reduced role has reportedly coincided with a failed move to Arsenal — a club he supported as a child. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined due to long-term injuries, Mikel Arteta’s side had been widely expected to dip into the transfer market for a striker, with Watkins seen as a perfect fit.
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Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher claimed that it was Aston Villa who offered Watkins to Arsenal, not the other way around. However, the North London club were unwilling to meet Villa’s valuation.
Jamie Carragher (Image credit: Getty Images)“When we talk about Arsenal going for Ollie Watkins, someone told me that Aston Villa offered him to Arsenal,” Carragher revealed. “I don’t think it was Arsenal phoning Villa saying they want to sign him. Arsenal didn’t sign him because they didn’t offer a lot of money — around £50 million. That’s the information I had.”
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Carragher added that Villa’s financial considerations may have influenced their preference to retain the younger Jhon Duran, who is only 21, and instead listen to offers for Watkins.
Ultimately, Villa opted to sell Duran to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in a £64 million deal, keeping Watkins at Villa Park for the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead, Watkins will hope to reclaim a regular starting spot when Aston Villa face Crystal Palace in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Addressing his recent comments about limited playing time, he said, “Every player wants to play — and that’s it, really.”
When asked about Unai Emery’s praise following the Newcastle game, Watkins responded: “Yeah, well, I think there’d probably be a worry if I said, ‘I’m happy to just sit on the bench.’ I think I’d be getting a bit of backlash, so yeah, just say it as it is.”
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