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Report: Club looking at alternatives to Arsenal attacker, it’s also good news for Villa

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on July 21, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Brentford are in talks about signing striker Saman Ghoddos after Arsenal refused to budge on their £8 million asking price for Folarin Balogun, according to West London Sport.

This could also be good news for Villa because it’s indicating that the Bees are planning for life after Ollie Watkins.

Sky Sports recently reported that Watkins wants to reunite with his former boss Dean Smith at Villa Park and the Midlands outfit are preparing an opening bid for the £25 million rated hitman.

Given how transfers can swing one way or another, this could still turn the other way, as Villa will be hoping to land their man with the new Premier League season set to start in September.

Villa proved last summer that they have the funds to splash the cash, it’s just a case of how far they are willing to push for Watkins signature.

Smith has to add a new striker to his ranks because Wesley is still out injured, Ally Samatta has had a slow start to life in the Premier League and Keinan Davis is yet to score a goal in England’s top-flight.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Ollie Watkins #11 of Brentford celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi-final 2nd Leg match between Brentford and Swansea City at Griffin Park on July 29, 2020 in Brentford, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

As for Arsenal and Balogun, the rumoured £8 million asking price would be pretty useful to Mikel Arteta because he could then use it in other areas of his squad.

But it does seem as though Brentford won’t put that sort of money on the table as they are known for buying top talents at pretty low prices.

Given that the Bees have looked at Balogun, it should be a compliment to the Gunners and the player because the Championship side know a top-quality youngster when they see one – their recent transfer history proves that.