🚨EXCLUSIVE: Ollie Watkins has informed Aston Villa of his desire to join Arsenal.
Jesper AVFC 🦁🔥🇩🇰
@VilladanishDK
Its getting more fun now
🚨UPDATE: Aston Villa want Ollie Watkins to submit a FORMAL transfer request, which would forfeit the final £15m on his contract, saving the club from paying it. They are also demanding a £70m transfer fee. Discussions are ongoing.
Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal but Villa are determined to keep him.
Arsenal are now weighing up a second offer in hope of reviving the deal but if Duran moves it appears highly unlikely that a renewed bid would succeed.
If a deal is not possible for Watkins, Arsenal are monitoring Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, 19, and could launch a move for the Frenchman.
____________________________________________
Probably the worse now transfer but the better long term one.
Can’t help but think we are testing our luck if we don’t get someone in in this window. Yes, there’s a bit of momentum after a few wins and the MLS debacle, but we are still in a situation in which it only takes an injury to a forward to really derail our season… wouldn’t want us to buy for the sake of it, but I would be disappointed if a lone bid for Watkins is the extent of our efforts. Surely, there are other players out there than can improve our chances of success this season.
My niece can't stop talking about how organized and efficient the women side of Arsenal operates compared to what happens with males. We also announced a signing earlier in the day, another American full back.
£60m for Watkins, at a 29? I'm disappointed in Arsenal for them to have priced Watkins at over 50m - I won't pay up to 50 m for him.
Why are Arsenal so desperate now? Has Arteta now realised the necessity of a proven forward in winning the EPL? That would be true confession from the stubborn Mikel.
I'm not sure Arsenal can win the EPL this season with Haaland, or Salah, or Kane, or Mbappe, or Vinicius Jr., or Gyokeres, or Sesko. Not with any striker. It's too late this season, Arteta bungled the transactions last summer when he refused to add a proven goal scorer.
My advise to Arseal will be to suspend plan to get an average striker, take everything in good faith and wait for Sesko or a much younger and top class striker next summer.
Sky sports reporting that Villa invited an offer from Arsenal .... we offered £40m... Villa want £60m. Who knows what the real story is. But £60m for a 29 year old is madness.
first time commenting here..Been following the blog for years..tried to comment when we had a mid of Carzola, Rosicky, and, Diaby though it didn't work.. Anyway, Watkins feels a bit underwhelming till you really think about it
EXCL: Al Nassr approach Brighton & Hove Albion with formal bid to sign Kaoru Mitoma. Proposal for Japan international winger €65m - formally rejected by #BHAFC. 27yo top target to fulfil #AlNassr aim of bolstering in wide attacking areas
_________________________________
James Benge
Al-Nassr already readying second and final offer worth up to £90 million for Kaoru Mitoma. Brighton are reluctant to sell
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Mad fee. He isn't youngish or that good for that fee. I would be happy to sell Trossard/Marti for a bag that heavy (winter not the ideal moment obviously).
I'm about to get on a flight, but I wanted to get this off my chest. In Ancient Greece, there was a famous sculptor named Polyclitus. My grandfather was a sculptor, my father was a photographer, and I do photography (sculpting light), so I have had this reiterated to me a lot: The famous Polyclitus story is the following: "Polyclitus made two statues at the same time, one which would be pleasing to the crowd and the other according to the principles of his art. In accordance with the opinion of each person who came into his workshop, he altered something and changed its form, submitting to the advice of each. Then he put both statues on display. The one was marvelled at by everyone, and the other was laughed at. Thereupon Polyclitus said, "But the one which you find fault with, you made yourselves; while the one which you marvel at, I made." I think it applies to both the transfer windows and what we have sculpted, and the PGMOL situation. What did Michael Oliver and Darren England do in sculpting the game? Should we sign now or wait for the Summer to sculpt our front line? What is configured vs disfigured? After reading your article I have tempered my enthusiasm with this season Watkins making the difference. I really like Olly wearing an Arsenal jersey, but we need to return to our senses. I don't love that Gabi Jesus, Martinelli, and Trossard are the wingman to Saka. We do need some bling, but I don't know that outrageous spending in January equals bling this Summer.
Arsenal FC have been charged for failing to control their players after they surrounded referee Michael Oliver following Myles Lewis-Skelly's sending off against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.
The club has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.
I saw that - absolute disgrace. Those arses at Lancaster Gate had to accept the overturn due to public outcry so now they’re desperately looks at a way to hit back. Pathetic corrupt core of an organisation. No wonder no one is doing anything about PGMOL when these idiots are in charge
AFC should compile a load of instances where players surround the referee where the club wasn’t punished. Should able to find a few from each club. Just send that video, and not a word more. Refuse to answer or acknowledge any further communication on the subject.
Anyone notice how strangely silent the “Woke Hating” Mail has been about Coote and that an interesting choice of paper “The Sun” has been chosen to rehabilitate Coote. Normally I'd expect these two papers to be tearing Coote to ribbons. With maybe the Guardian doing some sort of understanding piece as a counterpoint.
Just shows how are supposed political or social commentary can be changed if it gets the nod from money or power.
For some strange reason it appears the PGMOL are considered untouchable
To get no one, when the stakes are so high is negligent.
End of.
Morale is huge, the club is absolutely shit when it comes to fan and even players morale.
We sign no one, then its on them. We get someone in, then we have a chance. The answer is simple.
This red card fiasco covered up the critical situation regarding transfers.
The club must have been happy to have a distraction
Josh over to you.
Negligent and amateur squad business again, just like in the summer
With our luck, Havertz probably pulls a freak injury and we're stuck with Sterling starting champions league quarter finals for us.
Very lackluster the way we handle our squad building business
I dont know who this is but interesting.
🚨EXCLUSIVE: Ollie Watkins has informed Aston Villa of his desire to join Arsenal.
Jesper AVFC 🦁🔥🇩🇰
@VilladanishDK
Its getting more fun now
🚨UPDATE: Aston Villa want Ollie Watkins to submit a FORMAL transfer request, which would forfeit the final £15m on his contract, saving the club from paying it. They are also demanding a £70m transfer fee. Discussions are ongoing.
This-- is why we've been hoarding funds.
Pull the trigger Arsenal/Mikel.
We've been true to the plan to date.
Recognizing when to tread outside those parameters-- and make an effort to bring the future forward-- is why we've set aside the funds.
Nowhere within those plans and goals, foresaw Arsenal at a juncture such as this.
Riddled with injuries, Beset with rank officiating.
The club have an opportunity to redeem a golden ticket.
Will it play out as hoped or expected?
Only one way to find out.
Do Josh and Stan have the wherewithal and vision--
To lay down a £70m marker and roll the dice?
roll it man. bring that gooner home
SamiMokbel
Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal but Villa are determined to keep him.
Arsenal are now weighing up a second offer in hope of reviving the deal but if Duran moves it appears highly unlikely that a renewed bid would succeed.
If a deal is not possible for Watkins, Arsenal are monitoring Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, 19, and could launch a move for the Frenchman.
____________________________________________
Probably the worse now transfer but the better long term one.
Can’t help but think we are testing our luck if we don’t get someone in in this window. Yes, there’s a bit of momentum after a few wins and the MLS debacle, but we are still in a situation in which it only takes an injury to a forward to really derail our season… wouldn’t want us to buy for the sake of it, but I would be disappointed if a lone bid for Watkins is the extent of our efforts. Surely, there are other players out there than can improve our chances of success this season.
SkySports
Arsenal are signing Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly on loan until the end of the season!
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We got one over the line!
Marko, rejoice!
My niece can't stop talking about how organized and efficient the women side of Arsenal operates compared to what happens with males. We also announced a signing earlier in the day, another American full back.
2 last minute signings on the last day of the window ..... sounds just like the men's team to me ;)
Also whatever is going on now is the result of chronic negligence.
A striker should have been signed in the summer of 2023, and the summer of 2024
since auba left no one has been signed.
£60m for Watkins, at a 29? I'm disappointed in Arsenal for them to have priced Watkins at over 50m - I won't pay up to 50 m for him.
Why are Arsenal so desperate now? Has Arteta now realised the necessity of a proven forward in winning the EPL? That would be true confession from the stubborn Mikel.
I'm not sure Arsenal can win the EPL this season with Haaland, or Salah, or Kane, or Mbappe, or Vinicius Jr., or Gyokeres, or Sesko. Not with any striker. It's too late this season, Arteta bungled the transactions last summer when he refused to add a proven goal scorer.
My advise to Arseal will be to suspend plan to get an average striker, take everything in good faith and wait for Sesko or a much younger and top class striker next summer.
Sky sports reporting that Villa invited an offer from Arsenal .... we offered £40m... Villa want £60m. Who knows what the real story is. But £60m for a 29 year old is madness.
Bring Watkins honest to God, we need someone now. Ready made. He is a good player. We are not finding anything better now.
98 goals in 149 games for villa
It was on the seaman says podcast today
im pretty sure he needs to force a move at this point. Sad if we dont get anyone
He has said he is gonna force a move if they don't accept
where u see that
first time commenting here..Been following the blog for years..tried to comment when we had a mid of Carzola, Rosicky, and, Diaby though it didn't work.. Anyway, Watkins feels a bit underwhelming till you really think about it
We shall call you double D to avoid confusion
Sid is infamous on here so let’s see how Sidd goes! Welcome !
(Twice the 'd'. Sid will be envious.)
(not an Arsenal news)
David Ornstein
EXCL: Al Nassr approach Brighton & Hove Albion with formal bid to sign Kaoru Mitoma. Proposal for Japan international winger €65m - formally rejected by #BHAFC. 27yo top target to fulfil #AlNassr aim of bolstering in wide attacking areas
_________________________________
James Benge
Al-Nassr already readying second and final offer worth up to £90 million for Kaoru Mitoma. Brighton are reluctant to sell
_________________________________
Mad fee. He isn't youngish or that good for that fee. I would be happy to sell Trossard/Marti for a bag that heavy (winter not the ideal moment obviously).
Crazy they are reluctant to sell for that fee. And how crazy are these fees they are paying these days in the Middle East. Insane money.
I'm about to get on a flight, but I wanted to get this off my chest. In Ancient Greece, there was a famous sculptor named Polyclitus. My grandfather was a sculptor, my father was a photographer, and I do photography (sculpting light), so I have had this reiterated to me a lot: The famous Polyclitus story is the following: "Polyclitus made two statues at the same time, one which would be pleasing to the crowd and the other according to the principles of his art. In accordance with the opinion of each person who came into his workshop, he altered something and changed its form, submitting to the advice of each. Then he put both statues on display. The one was marvelled at by everyone, and the other was laughed at. Thereupon Polyclitus said, "But the one which you find fault with, you made yourselves; while the one which you marvel at, I made." I think it applies to both the transfer windows and what we have sculpted, and the PGMOL situation. What did Michael Oliver and Darren England do in sculpting the game? Should we sign now or wait for the Summer to sculpt our front line? What is configured vs disfigured? After reading your article I have tempered my enthusiasm with this season Watkins making the difference. I really like Olly wearing an Arsenal jersey, but we need to return to our senses. I don't love that Gabi Jesus, Martinelli, and Trossard are the wingman to Saka. We do need some bling, but I don't know that outrageous spending in January equals bling this Summer.
Ollie Watkins made a total of 83 shots on goal in 2023/24 EPL. 4 th highest in the EPL.
Our highest player Saka had 64 at 10th.
Will he get as many shots at Arsenal? His conversion rate isnt as good as Saka or Solanke
FA Official Regulation and Discipline update:
Arsenal FC have been charged for failing to control their players after they surrounded referee Michael Oliver following Myles Lewis-Skelly's sending off against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.
The club has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.
________________________________
This organisation is rotten to it's core.
I saw that - absolute disgrace. Those arses at Lancaster Gate had to accept the overturn due to public outcry so now they’re desperately looks at a way to hit back. Pathetic corrupt core of an organisation. No wonder no one is doing anything about PGMOL when these idiots are in charge
surrounding an unjust situation
AFC should compile a load of instances where players surround the referee where the club wasn’t punished. Should able to find a few from each club. Just send that video, and not a word more. Refuse to answer or acknowledge any further communication on the subject.
“I know I shagged your wife, but the way you spoke to me when you found out wasn’t acceptable”
Mark Goldbridge:
Are you having a laugh?!
1. City have been doing this for years.
2. They were right to protest because the decision has been proven to be wrong.
3. You're a joke and sending the wrong message
______________________________
We've got a Manure fan fuming at a decision against Arsenal.
Imagine how outrageous this whole organisation has been for years and years.
Spurs have cut deal for Tel according to Plettenberg, all up to player to decide.
£55m.
Ask me that may be a hard sell at moment 😎
I think Tel is holding off to see what happens between us and Watkins.
Maybe we have an agreement to go for him if Watkins falls through.
Spuds would be a last resort one would think.
Or NO resort
Anyone notice how strangely silent the “Woke Hating” Mail has been about Coote and that an interesting choice of paper “The Sun” has been chosen to rehabilitate Coote. Normally I'd expect these two papers to be tearing Coote to ribbons. With maybe the Guardian doing some sort of understanding piece as a counterpoint.
Just shows how are supposed political or social commentary can be changed if it gets the nod from money or power.
For some strange reason it appears the PGMOL are considered untouchable