Arteta issues ‘VERY CONFIDENT’ message over Arsenal striker hunt

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to comment on the club’s interest in Ollie Watkins but says the Gunners’ intentions in the closing days of the transfer market are clear as they chase a striker.

The Gunners have been told clearly by Aston Villa that Watkins is not for sale during January, with the Birmingham club having knocked back a bid for the England international striker.

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Although there have been rumours of another bid going in, it would seem that Villa’s decision to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for €77 million has put an end to any hope Arsenal had of signing Watkins.

But while the Gunners have been frustrated on that front, Arteta has issued a message to fans that work continues to be done in the market as Arsenal try to find the striker it appears their Premier League title push requires.

“I’m not going to talk about any individuals,” said Arteta at his press conference on Friday. “We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.

“I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.

“We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.”

Still seeking a striker

Arsenal have been continually frustrated in their pursuit of a No.9 to support Kai Havertz this January – a transfer that has become all the more important because of injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Benjamin Sesko was the Gunners’ priority but he will remain at RB Leipzig while Viktor Gyokeres remains at Sporting CP.

One late option could be Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who has been described as Brazil’s best No.9.