Deeney ‘flattered’ by Arsenal transfer talk

Troy Deeney: Scored hat-trick for Watford in last home game against Bournemouth

Troy Deeney: Scored hat-trick for Watford in last home game against Bournemouth

Watford skipper Troy Deeney says “it is very flattering” to be linked with Arsenal, but poured cold water on a move to the Gunners.

The 27-year-old frontman has forged an effective strike partnership with Odion Ighalo this season, scoring six times, while Ighalo has blasted 14 goals already.

While, Ighalo’s goalscoring has been hitting the headlines, Deeney has been going under the radar but his form has been good and the tabloids linked him with a £20million-plus move to The Emirates earlier in the week.

However, speaking on talkSPORT the former Walsall striker confirmed he would not be leaving Vicarage Road in the January transfer window.

“It is very flattering. My son (Myles) is an Arsenal fan and he read it in the paper the other day with mum,” said Deeney.

“I don’t think he is happy I am staying with Watford. He thinks it is like FIFA and you can change clubs in the same day.

“From my point of view, and from Iggy’s (Ighalo), people want us and that shows we’ve been doing something right for the past six months.

“We have got a project to complete though and I think the gaffer has said what happens in the summer will happen.”

Deeney’s team-mate Ighalo has been linked with Roma and Atletico Madrid in the last month, but Deeney is confident the Nigeria striker will only leave for a “massive club”.

“He’s scoring the goals and having one of those years. Whatever he hits is going in. He’s carried that on this year,” added Deeney.

“The main thing is he’s a bit of Man United fan. He’s watched Man United and Arsenal as they are always shown in other countries. If he left he would only leave for a massive club.”