Imagine your star striker being courted by one of the biggest clubs in England. That's precisely what happened to Aston Villa with Ollie Watkins, and it almost changed everything! Former Villa President Monchi has dropped a bombshell: Arsenal were seriously interested in snatching Watkins away during the January transfer window. But here's where it gets controversial... Villa stood their ground, refusing to budge on their valuation.
Monchi, a driving force behind Villa's resurgence under Unai Emery for over two years, revealed to Flashscore that while Arsenal's interest was concrete, it never materialized into a formal offer. The Gunners were definitely sniffing around, exploring the possibility of adding Watkins to their attacking arsenal. Think of it like this: Arsenal saw a shiny new toy they wanted, but Villa wouldn't let it go without a hefty price tag.
And this is the part most people miss... Villa's resolve wasn't just about Watkins. Monchi emphasized that the entire club was a hot commodity in the transfer market. It wasn't just Watkins attracting attention; players like Morgan Rogers, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, and John McGinn were also on the radar of other clubs. "Let’s see, in three months there is almost a summer, because every time the markets start earlier and earlier," Monchi explained. "There is not only interest for Ollie, for Morgan, for Matty Cash, Konsa, for McGinn, for everyone because in such an extensive market, in a squad with such good players and who also come from two magnificent seasons, there are rumours, but there were no formal offers." This illustrates the balancing act a club faces: holding onto key players while acknowledging their market value and potential career ambitions.
Ultimately, Arsenal shifted their focus, eventually landing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for a reported £63.5 million. Before Gyokeres, other names like Benjamin Sesko were also considered alongside Watkins. Despite all the transfer rumors, Watkins remained a vital component of the Villa squad. It's worth noting that Villa previously offloaded players like Diego Carlos, Jaden Philogene, and Jhon Duran for nearly £100 million during Monchi's tenure, with Duran making a notable move to Al-Nassr, according to Birmingham Live. This shows Villa's activity in the transfer market, both in terms of buying and selling.
Monchi, reflecting on his departure from Villa, spoke fondly of his time in Birmingham. He described it as a "magnificent" experience and praised the city's welcoming atmosphere. "It’s been a city that has welcomed me very well… I enjoyed two and a half magnificent years. I lived in the centre, St. Paul’s Square, close to the city centre and relatively close to Bodymoor [training ground]." He cited the desire for "consolidation in the elite" as a key objective achieved during his time. Monchi admitted to missing his native Spain, especially Seville and San Fernando, but cherished his memories of his time in the UK where he could enjoy a more private life.
So, what does this all mean? While Watkins stayed put, Arsenal's interest highlights their continued pursuit of top Premier League talent. Monchi's comments serve as a reminder of the constant monitoring and evaluation of players that goes on behind the scenes in football. The January window might have closed without Watkins joining Arsenal, but their appetite for Premier League stars remains strong as they strive to bolster their squad.
This situation begs the question: Was Villa right to hold firm on their valuation of Watkins, even if it meant missing out on a potentially lucrative deal? And do you think Arsenal will come back for him in a future transfer window? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
