Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners unlikely to sign Ollie Watkins, club admire Jorrel Hato, and more - April 18, 2024

Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday, April 17, at the Allianz Arena. Mikel Arteta’s men were undone by a solitary second-half goal from Joshua Kimmich, which helped the Bavarians win the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are unlikely to sign Ollie Watkins. Elsewhere, the north London club are interested in Jorrel Hato.

On that note, let’s take a look at the major Arsenal transfer news from April 18, 2024.

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Arsenal unlikely to sign Ollie Watkins, says journalist

Ollie Watkins has been outstanding this season

Arsenal are unlikely to sign Ollie Watkins this summer, according to club insider Charles Watts. The English forward has been in sizzling form this season for Aston Villa, registering 26 goals and 10 assists from 45 outings across competitions. The Gunners are expected to sign a new No. 9 this summer and recent reports have suggested that they want Watkins at the Emirates.

However, in his column for Caught Offside, Watts suggested that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are more realistic options.

“I would be surprised if he is someone they would actually go for. Obviously, you can never rule anything out, but he has a long-term contract at Villa, who are a club who are financially secure and could well be competing in the Champions League next season, so they have absolutely no need to sell – it would take an astronomical offer to tempt them into doing business,” Watts said.

He continued:

“Plus, Watkins will be 29 in December, so I just can’t see it happening. Strikers like Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, who both have release clauses, are probably far more realistic.”

The north London side also have their eyes on Victor Osimhen, as per reports.

Gunners admire Jorrel Hato, says journalist

Jorrel Hato has admirers at the Emirates

Arsenal are interested in Jorrel Hato, according to Charles Watts. The Ajax youngster has exploded onto the scene this season, registering 43 appearances across competitions, all of which have been starts. His efforts have caused a stir in multiple clubs in Europe, with the Gunners also on the list of his suitors.

In his column for Caught Offside, Watts pointed out that Hato’s versatility could make him a fine replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

“Arteta definitely has a decision to make when it comes to Zinchenko in the summer. Arsenal have clear priorities in the summer transfer market and they are higher up the pitch than in defence, but I wouldn’t rule out a new left-back arriving,” Watts said.

He continued:

“Whether that be a specialised left-back, or a player who can operate both as a full-back or as a centre-back remains to be seen. Arsenal have been monitoring Jorrel Hato at Ajax for example and it’s understandable to see why a player of his versatility and potential could be appealing.”

The 18-year-old signed a new contract with the Eredivisie side last month that will keep him at the Johan Cruyff Arena until 2028.

Jorginho open to Serie A return, confirms agent

Jorginho’s future remains up in the air

Jorginho is willing to return to Italy this summer, according to his agent Joao Santos. The Italian midfielder is in the final months of his contract with Arsenal and hasn’t signed a new deal yet. The 32-year-old has been in and out of the first team since arriving from Chelsea in January 2023. He has registered 34 outings across competitions this season, 19 of which have been starts.

Speaking to TV Play, Santos revealed that the Gunners are yet to offer Jorginho a renewal proposal.

“Did Arsenal call us for the renewal? Right now, we’re focused on the Champions League return leg against Bayern Munich, we’re in no hurry. If they were to call us in a month or two to discuss the renewal, that’s fine with us. Would Jorginho like to return to Italy? Yes, of course, because he grew up in Italy and he likes everything about your country,” Santos said.

Santos went on to confirm that the player hasn’t received any offer from Fiorentina or Juventus either.

“If Fiorentina could think about getting a player of Jorginho’s level? You have to understand if they think of Jorginho first and foremost. In front of an ambitious project, of a club that wants to aim for the Champions League, there would be no problem for us. At the moment, however, Fiorentina have not contacted us,” Santos added.

He continued:

“Juve? In my opinion, they don’t need a player like Jorginho, if [Cristiano] Giuntoli needs a midfielder like Jorginho then he could contact me.”

With Mikel Arteta looking for a new midfielder this summer, Jorginho could be allowed to leave the Emirates.