Arsenal fans slam club after real reason they didn’t sign Ollie Watkins is revealed

Fans were not happy

The Gunners were linked with several forwards during the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta looked to bolster his squad to mount their Premier League title charge.

Aston Villa's Watkins was a name that came up a lot in the London side's search for a striker however their initial advances were rejected.

Though many suspected that Arsenal would re-enter the race to sign him on transfer deadline day, ultimately the Gunners decided not to come back with a revised offer.

Now, The Athletic's David Ornstein has revealed the reason why the deal fell through.

Ornstein reports that the Midlands side gave Arsenal the opportunity to buy the 29-year-old for £60 million but Arsenal refused to meet Villa's demand, suggesting £40m instead.

On The Athletic's podcast, Ornstein said: "On Watkins, naturally these things are not easy when it gets to such a late point in the window. Clearly, Villa gave Arsenal the opportunity to do this deal or have a conversation on the basis of a £60 million possibility.

"That was something clearly Arsenal were not prepared to do at that value for a 29-year-old, who in their eyes is probably not worth that much. They decided to suggest around the £40m mark.

"Villa were being serious when they suggested £60 million because that’s where they value him and if they need to make the numbers work, with PSR and whatever else."

Gunners fans were furious and vented their frustration at the club online.

One X user said: "Could have negotiated better. That’s why we need a new and experienced Sporting Director to lead."

A second said: "Hesitated for Suarez and Vardy and regretted. Same will happen now."

While a third said: "I think the club have dropped the ball in this one. They must have their reasons but Watkins made a lot of sense."

A fourth said: "If you really had the chance to sign Ollie Watkins for £60 million and chose not to, it seems like you aren't serious about winning the title."

Another slammed: "Now you’re gambling on Kai Havertz scoring frequently and staying fit as our only senior striker... Incompetence from the club but nothing I’m not used to sadly."

However, one fan sided with the club: "Watkins at 29 is nowhere near £60m let's be honest. Same fans would complain later about that signing."