Arsenal’s decision to reject the opportunity to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa last season has recently been clarified. The Gunners initially proposed a substantial offer of £60 million but ultimately chose not to pursue the deal further. This decision aligns with comments made by Villa manager Unai Emery regarding Watkins’ ongoing knee issues.
Ollie Watkins’ Performance and Injury Issues
Watkins has been recognized as one of the Premier League’s most effective strikers. In the previous season, he scored 16 goals and provided eight assists. However, his performance has significantly declined this season, with only three goals recorded across all competitions. Notably, two of those goals were scored during a match against Brighton on Wednesday.
Discussion Around Arsenal’s Offer
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher discussed the potential transfer during a recent episode of The Overlap. He disclosed that Villa had indeed offered Watkins to Arsenal. Carragher stated, “I know that, actually.” He further illuminated the circumstances around the transfer, mentioning that Villa was considering letting Jhon Duran go to Arsenal.
Insights from Unai Emery
Unai Emery has confirmed that Watkins has been dealing with knee pain since the start of last season. This nagging injury may have contributed to Arsenal’s hesitance to finalize the transfer. Emery stated,
- “He’s keeping a small pain in his knee from last year.”
- “We are trying to manage it with him.”
- “We are attempting to ensure he plays consistently without pain.”
To manage his fitness, the club is focusing on rest and rehabilitation instead of surgical intervention. Before their recent match, Emery noted that Watkins had to forego training to work with physiotherapists.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s reluctance to invest in Ollie Watkins now seems a justified decision. With his ongoing injury concerns, the Gunners may have dodged a bullet by not moving forward with their £60 million offer. As Watkins aims to regain full fitness, both he and Aston Villa continue to navigate the challenges in the current season.
