Arsenal news: Five reasons why the Gunners want Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
Arsenal are adamant on obtaining Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins’ services.
Despite being strong title contenders in recent seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side has played with lacklustre striker options.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo looks at why Arsenal are eager to sign the Englishman.
Gunning for Watkins
Arsenal are on the hunt for a prolific striker to bolster their attacking options, and Aston Villa’s Watkins has emerged as a prime target.
With an initial bid rejected by Villa, the Gunners are expected to return with an improved offer.
But why are Arsenal so keen on securing Watkins' signature?
Here are five reasons Arteta sees him as the ideal addition to his squad.
1. Proven Premier League goalscorer
Watkins has consistently delivered in the Premier League since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020.
This season, he has already netted 10 goals in 23 appearances, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net against top-tier opposition.
Arsenal need a reliable goal scorer to complement their attacking unit, and Watkins’ track record makes him an attractive option.
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2. Fits Arteta’s tactical system
Arsenal’s current frontline, spearheaded by Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, has been inconsistent in front of goal.
Watkins’ versatility and work rate align perfectly with Arteta’s high-intensity pressing system.
His ability to play as a lone striker or in a two-man attack would provide Arteta with greater tactical flexibility, allowing him to tweak formations as needed.
3. Elite hold-up play and link-up ability
Unlike some traditional number nines, Watkins is not just a goal poacher - he excels at holding up play and linking up with teammates.
His movement and passing ability would complement the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, enabling Arsenal’s fluid attacking style to thrive.
His presence could also allow Arsenal’s wingers to play off him more effectively.
4. Homegrown status and Premier League experience
With UEFA squad registration rules requiring a minimum number of homegrown players, Watkins' English nationality adds another layer of appeal for Arsenal.
Additionally, unlike overseas targets who may require time to adapt to English football, Watkins is already well-adjusted to the demands of the Premier League.
This makes him a low-risk signing compared to unproven foreign strikers.
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5. An upgrade on current strikers
While Gabriel Jesus has been injured a lot, raising concerns over his availability, Havertz has been disappointing in front of goal.
Havertz, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency in front of goal.
Watkins would provide Arsenal with a more reliable option who can deliver goals regularly, something the Gunners have lacked in their quest to challenge for the Premier League title.
Would Aston Villa sell?
Despite Arsenal’s strong interest, Aston Villa remain adamant that Watkins is not for sale.
Manager Unai Emery has made it clear that the club will be “very demanding” over any potential deal, and with Villa pushing for a top-four finish themselves, they have little incentive to sell their star striker mid-season.
However, Arsenal’s determination and financial power mean the situation could evolve if a significantly improved bid is tabled.
The Gunners are expected to return with another offer as they look to bolster their squad for the title race.
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