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Arsenal 'discussed surprise swoop' for former Chelsea striker after they failed to land Ollie Watkins

Arsenal 'discussed surprise swoop' for former Chelsea striker after Watkins snub
© Imago
Arsenal were reportedly discussing a move for AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata after failing to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

Arsenal were reportedly interested in signing AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata during the final moments of the winter transfer window.

Without a natural central striker, there have been plenty of claims that the Gunners needed to bring in a proper forward before the deadline.

Such an argument was laid to bed slightly on Sunday afternoon, when a clinical and rampant Arsenal put five goals past Manchester City at the Emirates.

The pick of the goalscorers was undoubtedly Myles Lewis-Skelly, who proceeded to mock Citizens attacker Erling Haaland with his trademark meditation celebration.

Arsenal's result against Man City leaves them second in the Premier League standings, six points behind Arne Slot's Liverpool outfit in first.

AC Milan's Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring on November 5, 2024© Imago

Arsenal discussed Morata swoop following Watkins fail?

According to The Athletic, Arsenal fans could have been in for a surprise during the final knockings of the winter transfer window on Monday evening.

The report claims that the title-chasing Gunners discussed a potential swoop for AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata until the end of the campaign.

It is understood that Mikel Arteta's side entered talks with the Rossoneri, who were willing to sanction a temporary offload of the forward.

Despite their fondness of the player, the Gunners lost the race for Morata's services, with the striker joining Galatasaray on loan until the end of the term.

Arsenal are said to have moved for the Euro 2024 winner after they had given up on hopes of signing Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins pictured on December 1, 2024© Imago

Chain of events conquer Arsenal

Regardless of the Gunners' concrete interest, there was little chance that Watkins would end up in North London at the end of the window.

At just 21 years of age, Jhon Duran secured a mega-money move to Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League during the final week of the winter trading point.

That deal, despite the arrival of Marcus Rashford, left the Villans short on central-striking options, hence why Watkins remains in the Second City.

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Written by
Carter White

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on December 14, 2024
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