Arsenal 'discuss' Ollie Watkins alternative as decision made on player's exit

Arsenal are now preparing for a huge Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday, heading into the clash knowing they cannot afford many more slip-ups between now and the end of the season. The Gunners are already six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more, and they must remain ultra-consistent if they want a chance of catching up.

In the meantime, Mikel Arteta is searching frantically for a new attacker addition ahead of Monday night’s transfer deadline. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Watkins alternative

Arsenal are reportedly considering a deal to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson after coming up short with their Ollie Watkins bid, leaving them desperate in the final days of the window.

Ben Jacobs wrote on X: "West Ham optimistic on Evan Ferguson, who has become a top target heading into the final days of the window," said Jacobs. "Leverkusen were set to push for Ferguson, with Brighton forward keen, but Victor Boniface's move to Al-Nassr won't happen now the Saudi club have decided to proceed with Jhon Duran. Everton and Bournemouth two other Premier League sides interested in Ferguson. Also discussed by Arsenal, but they would need to buy, not loan."

Tierney decision

Arsenal will not allow Celtic to take Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead earlier than the summer. The Bhoys are said to sign Tierney on a free transfer from the summer, with a pre-contract agreement set to be agreed.

Tierney is out of contract in the summer and already able to agree a contract with a non-English club. A Celtic return is almost certain, but The Telegraph report that Arsenal will not allow Celtic to do a loan deal to bridge the gap between now and the end of the season. The Gunners could allow Oleksandr Zinchenko to leave this month, and they want to keep Tierney around for depth.

Walcott backs Watkins

While a Watkins deal looks unlikely for Arsenal currently, with Villa rejecting the £60million offer placed by the Gunners, Theo Walcott believes the England striker would fit in nicely at the Emirates Stadium.

He told the Irish Examiner: “He fits a lot of the way Arsenal play, his playing style, his behaviour off the field, everything about him as a man and a player. He is very well experienced in the England set-up, he is an Arsenal fan as well.”

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