Arsenal transfer news: Journalist shares if the club will look to sign James Ward-Prowse

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Charles Watts has shared that Arsenal won’t be looking to secure the transfer of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer.

It has been a season to forget for James Ward-Prowse after his Southampton side, not only suffered relegation to the Championship, but they also finished bottom of the Premier League table.

Given that the free-kick specialist is Southampton’s ‘best player’, there will be Premier League interest in his services, but Arsenal transfer expert Watts claimed that he ‘doesn’t fit the age profile’ of the club, as he told his own YouTube channel.

The Gunners are looking at English talent, but that’s in the form of a Declan Rice, with suggestions that a deal is very close to being done.

A player like Ward-Prowse is good enough for the Premier League, but unlike Rice, he probably doesn’t have the skill set to jump up to the Champions League level.

Either way, Watts explained why he can’t see Arsenal making a move for the 28-year-old midfielder, with the 2023 summer transfer window set to officially open on Wednesday.

“It’s an interesting one,” said Watts. “I haven’t heard an Arsenal fan calling for James Ward-Prowse to be transferred to Arsenal this summer.

“Obviously, he will be leaving Southampton, after their relegation, he will be wanting to stay in the Premier League. He is a very good player. He has been excellent for Southampton. A real servant to the club. Fantastic on set-pieces. In and around the England squad.

“But I am not sure James Ward-Prowse is the player Arsenal is really considering, at this point, even as a squad player. They would much rather be targeting younger players. Ward-Prowse doesn’t fit the age profile. He would cost a fair bit of money.

“Southampton would want a fair chunk of money for their captain and their best player.”

Could Ward-Prowse go to the other side of north London?

Whilst there doesn’t seem to be any transfer interest from Arsenal in Ward-Prowse, there is some across north London.

Tottenham are seemingly keen on the midfielder, after missing out on Europe altogether this season and finishing eighth in the league.

A move for a team outside of Europe would be a logical transfer for Ward-Prowse, who is simply too good to be plying his trade in England’s second-tier.