Arsenal are reportedly lining up a summer swoop for a Premier League striker as Mikel Arteta continues to seek further improvements to his squad.
What’s the latest on Ollie Watkins to Arsenal?
According to Journalist Steve Kay (via Caught Offside), Arsenal are keen on a move for Watkins in the summer transfer window.
He said: “Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is one of the strikers that Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on as a possible summer signing according to sources.
“Arteta is a massive admirer of the England International, who recently praised the forward in the away win against Villa.”
No fee has been mentioned, but the Englishman has just over two years left on his current contract and Villa will surely be aiming to recoup the £28m, if not more, they spent on him back in 2020.
Could Watkins be an upgrade on Eddie Nketiah?
Arsenal suffered a significant blow during the World Cup with the news that Gabriel Jesus would miss around three months due to an injury that required surgery. This put pressure on young striker Nketiah to deputise for the Brazilian.
The 23-year-old has scored four goals since Christmas but sustaining a title challenge with just one recognised senior number nine is proving to be difficult.
Watkins could add some much-needed depth to this department for Arteta, and could well be an upgrade on Nketiah next season.
Indeed, in the Premier League this term, the Villa striker has registered more goal contributions (12 to four), more shots on target (25 to 13), goal-creating actions (nine to two), and has even delivered more crosses (seven to four), proving that he is a much more effective attacking threat.
The £75k-per-week gem has also made more key passes (0.9 to 0.3) and has more shots per game (2.1 to 1.8) than the Arsenal striker and even though he may not be the first choice if he made a move, there is no doubt he is an upgrade on what Arteta has at his disposal right now.
Former Villa manager Dean Smith certainly managed to get the best out of the player, with Watkins scoring 14 league goals during the 2020/2021 campaign and was praised by his coach, who dubbed him as “one of the best” in his position.
Indeed, he is certainly one of the best in the top-flight right now, registering five goals in his last handful of outings.
Signing Watkins may not be the most spellbinding move Arteta ever makes in the transfer market, but with Champions League football to come next term, adding some much-needed depth to the squad is paramount.
Having netted 111 times in his senior career, plus his versatility in being able to play across the front three, Watkins could prove to be a very wise investment.