BREAKING NEWS: The club director has confirmed the transfer strategy for an Arsenal striker, including Watkins signing, Mathys Tel loan, and double signing. Ahead of today’s formal announcement, Arsenal’s first January transfer acquisition is presently in London.

Arsenal’s Transfer Plans: Watkins Pursuit, Mathys Tel Loan, and Potential Exits

Mikel Arteta is preparing for a busy final stretch in the January transfer window, with the potential for up to four new signings before the deadline.
Despite a relatively quiet window so far, Arsenal has intensified its pursuit of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Reports suggest the Gunners have submitted a £45 million bid for the striker, which Aston Villa has rejected.

Watkins further showcased his value with an impressive performance in Villa’s 4-2 Champions League win over Celtic, highlighting why Arsenal is keen on securing his services.
Both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta have commented on the situation, but neither has provided concrete updates. Arteta, in particular, has remained tight-lipped about the club’s next steps. However, Arsenal appears determined to land Watkins this January, though several obstacles remain.

One major complication is Watkins’ teammate, Jhon Duran, who is close to sealing a £64 million move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Villa is unlikely to let both strikers leave simultaneously unless they find an adequate replacement. Arsenal’s hopes of signing Watkins may hinge on Duran’s transfer falling through or Villa securing reinforcements in attack.
Villa has been linked with Chelsea’s Joao Felix, a potential incoming transfer that could influence their decision regarding Watkins. Since Duran’s move is not yet finalized, Arsenal could still make an improved offer in a last-ditch attempt to acquire their target.

Another name on Arsenal’s radar is Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel. The 19-year-old forward has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Spurs are reportedly willing to pay £50.2 million for a permanent transfer, but Tel himself may prefer a move to Arsenal.
Having missed a significant portion of the season due to injury, Tel is eager for more game time—something Arsenal can offer, particularly with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus sidelined.

Arteta must also manage squad rotation carefully. While Ethan Nwaneri has recovered from a minor setback, Arteta will likely avoid overburdening him. This means players like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz may be rotated, with Havertz possibly returning to midfield.

In terms of departures, Raheem Sterling’s loan spell at Arsenal has not gone smoothly. While Arteta has denied rumors of an early return to Chelsea, a loan deal for Mathys Tel could prompt Arsenal to reconsider terminating Sterling’s stay.

Additionally, young forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji might secure another loan move to the EFL. With his future at Arsenal uncertain, a permanent summer transfer remains a realistic option. For now, allowing him to gain more experience elsewhere appears to be the logical decision.
Arsenal’s late-window activity could be crucial, especially with their continued pursuit of Ollie Watkins. Villa rejecting the £45m bid isn’t surprising, considering his importance and Duran’s likely exit. If Arsenal really want him, they may need to go beyond £60m, but Villa’s reluctance to lose both strikers in January makes this a tough deal to pull off.

Mathys Tel could be an exciting short-term addition, especially if Arsenal secures him on loan. Given Spurs’ interest in a permanent move, Arsenal might need to act fast. Tel would offer depth across the frontline, which is crucial with Saka and Jesus struggling for full fitness.

As for exits, Sterling’s loan situation is interesting. If Arsenal lands Tel, terminating the Chelsea winger’s stay early wouldn’t be a shock. Butler-Oyedeji’s potential loan move also makes sense, as he needs regular minutes.

Do you think Arsenal should push harder for Watkins, or would a more flexible forward like Tel be the better fit for Arteta’s system?