BREAKING NEWS: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins expresses anger towards Arteta, stating, “I will never forgive him for what happened last night, which caused my deal to fall through. Arteta denied me the chance to join my dream club, Arsenal,” despite having reached a verbal agreement.

Arsenal have opted against making a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins on transfer deadline day. Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill disclosed the club’s position regarding new signings on Monday night. Meanwhile, another report suggests that the Gunners are preparing a significant bid for a Spanish international in the summer of 2025.

Earlier on deadline day, TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher reported that Arsenal were considering submitting an improved offer for Watkins.

The north London club had already seen a £40 million bid for the England international rejected last week, with Villa remaining firm in their stance that they would not part with the striker midway through the season.

Sources indicate that Watkins is disappointed by Villa’s refusal to accept Arsenal’s offer and is uncertain whether the Gunners will return for him in the next summer transfer window.

A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Watkins has been in impressive form for Villa, recording 11 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season. His contributions in the 2023-24 campaign were even more remarkable, as he netted 27 goals and provided 13 assists in 53 matches for the club.

Sky Sports News has now confirmed that Arsenal have chosen not to make any further moves on deadline day. Reporter Gary Cotterill, speaking live from the Emirates Stadium, stated that the club would neither sign new players nor allow any departures before the window closes.

He told Sky Sports News at 7:43 pm, “I’m told and it is my understanding that there will be no ins and no outs today at Arsenal and indeed in the whole of January. No business, we understand, at Arsenal.”

Despite their inactivity in the current transfer window, Arsenal are already planning for a major signing in the summer of 2025. According to Football Transfers, manager Mikel Arteta is eager to bring in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

Williams, considered one of the most talented young players in world football, recently won Euro 2024 with Spain. Reports indicate that Arsenal are determined to secure the 22-year-old’s signature and are willing to pay above his release clause of €58 million (£48.2 million, $59.6 million) to finalize the deal. Furthermore, Williams himself is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates in the summer of 2025.