Arsenal are reportedly interested in strengthening their centre-forward ranks this summer, amid recent claims that the Gunners are keeping tabs on Aston Villa star, Ollie Watkins.
What’s the latest on Watkins to Arsenal?
Journalist Steve Kay – via Caught Offside – revealed earlier this week that the England international is a player whom the north London outfit are “keeping a close eye on” at present, with manager Mikel Arteta said to be an “admirer” of the 27-year-old.
Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke – in an interview with Football FanCast – has provided an update regarding that apparent interest in the seven-cap marksman, with the respected source noting that the former Brentford man is certainly on the radar of those at the Emirates.
O’Rourke stated: “So it’s no surprise that some clubs are going to be looking at Ollie Watkins considering his form. Arsenal are among those sides that do like the look of the striker as well. So yeah, having lost Danny ings and not having many other striking options, I’m sure Unai Emery will be determined to keep the striker at Villa Park.”
How did Watkins perform against Arsenal?
As O’Rourke alluded to above, Watkins has certainly warranted such interest as a result of his standout form of late under Unai Emery, with the 5 foot 11 gem having scored eight goals and provided four assists in 23 Premier League games already this season.
That respectable tally has been bolstered by the striker’s recent hot streak as he has netted a goal in each of his last five top-flight games, with the one-time Exeter City ace notably scoring in the 4-2 loss to the Gunners at Villa Park.
While the £22m-rated man ultimately ended up on the losing side in that thrilling contest, he will have undoubtedly caught the attention of Arteta and co due to his impressive display in attack, having arguably given the typically unflappable William Saliba the run around on the day.
The £75k-per-week ace “easily” surged his way past the French colossus – in the words of ESPN’s James Olley – to net the game’s opening goal at the end of a stunning breakaway, with Watkins showcasing his breathtaking speed to roast his opposite man, before lashing home from the angle.
As 90min’s Grey Whitebloom noted, the Villa talisman had ‘repeatedly got the better of Arsenal’s defensive duo’, while GOAL correspondent Charles Watts stated that Saliba had been ‘punished’ for failing to get close to the “lethal” Englishman – as previously described by pundit Trevor Sinclair.
As the Gunners’ centre-back pairing are likely to have found out, the Torquay-born hotshot is not the type of player to give a defender a moment’s peace, with the latter man notably ranking in the top 9% in Europe among those in his position for interceptions made.
Such a hard-working asset – who now boasts 33 goals in 95 Premier League games for the Villans – will likely prove a useful tool for Arteta’s side next season, with Saliba, in particular, no doubt hoping to not have to come against the relentless machine again.