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Arsenal eyeing swoop for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins

By on April 4, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating a summer swoop for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, as per the Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The 27-year-old has been one of the most consistent players in the Claret & Blue shirt since joining the club back in 2020 in a £30m deal, scoring 35 goals and notching up 12 assists in 99 Premier League appearances.

According to the report by Fichajes, Watkins’ impressive performances have attracted the attention of several big English clubs, with Arsenal among those to have registered their interest.

The report further claims that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Watkins ahead of the summer window and they could make a concrete approach to sign him to strengthen their forward department for next season.

However, Fichajes says that securing the Villa man’s service won’t be easy for the north London club as Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on signing the highly talented striker.

Watkins to Arsenal

Watkins – valued at around £28m by Transfermarkt – still has more than two years left in his current contract. So, Unai Emery’s side are in no rush to let their star man leave this summer and Mikel Arteta’s side will have to offer a lucrative proposal to persuade Villa in to selling.

Despite already having Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard and Falorin Balogun – who is set to return after a successful loan spell in Ligue 1 this summer – in the squad, it appears Arsenal are still looking to sign a new striker as they have continuously been linked with centre-forward targets ahead of the summer window.

Watkins is a Premier League proven striker, he is quick, strong, good in the air, has the ability to link up the play and also can finish off his chances. So he would be a very good option if the North London club decide to add more firepower to their front line this summer.

However, he is likely to cost big and given Arsenal are well-stocked in their number nine position at the moment. I believe they shouldn’t invest more in that department this summer and saving the money to strengthen other areas of the squad would be a better decision.

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