Ollie Watkins to Arsenal switch may nonetheless be one to look at
Ollie Watkins and Mikel Arteta (Picture by Alex Livesey, Richard Heathcote/Getty Photos)
Arsenal’s curiosity within the potential switch of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may nonetheless be one thing to be careful for this summer time.
That’s in response to Charles Watts in his unique CaughtOffside column, as he supplies some new perception into Arsenal’s curiosity in signing Watkins and different strikers.
Watts notes that the Gunners have been in for the England worldwide earlier than, and that there’s nonetheless an opportunity he may turn into a goal for them if different offers don’t work out.
Nonetheless, it appears this may require one thing dramatic to occur with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, in response to Watts.
Might Ollie Watkins to Arsenal switch nonetheless occur?
Watkins has shone for Villa and is sensible as somebody who may strengthen Arsenal, although Watts additionally notes that his age means his price ticket would want to come back down.
“It’s solely been a couple of months since Arsenal made a suggestion for Ollie Watkins, so it’s inconceivable to sit down right here and rule out the prospect of them going again in for the Aston Villa striker,” Watts mentioned.
“Mikel Arteta stays an admirer of the ahead, however the one method I can see one thing occurring with him this summer time is that if one thing fairly dramatic occurs with each Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
“These two are clearly the priorities with regards to the brand new striker and I might view Watkins as an possibility provided that neither of these major targets have been to reach.
“Some will argue that Watkins may are available alongside one among both Sesko or Gyokeres, however once more I’m unsure that’s actually sensible given the cash that may almost definitely be spent elsewhere.
“I feel the potential of Watkins shifting to Arsenal would rely quite a bit on what kind of value Aston Villa could be searching for to do enterprise.
“In January they valued him at round £60 million and that was method above the £40m that the Arsenal hierarchy have been keen to pay.
“Given Watkins will flip 30 on the finish of the 12 months that valuation from Villa must cut back massively for Arsenal to contemplate doping something for the striker.”
Arsenal’s goal-scoring woes urgently want addressing
Arsenal had a disappointing 2024/25 season as they struggled for targets, with nobody of their squad reaching double figures within the Premier League.
A brand new striker is unquestionably a should for this summer time, whereas a brand new winger may be a helpful addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
AFC can’t afford to be too choosy, so even when Sesko or Gyokeres look extra tempting, there could possibly be some sense in maintaining the Watkins possibility open as nicely.
Villa certainly received’t need to promote such an essential participant, however they missed out on Champions League qualification so may need some monetary points that imply promoting earlier than they purchase will turn into an essential a part of their technique this summer time.
