Arsenal should swoop for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
|Arsenal should make an ambitious move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer.
The Gunners are expected to invest on a new centre-forward during the next transfer window.
They have already been linked with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney but in our opinion, the club should avoid signing the former due to his current injury record.
Osimhen has netted only eight goals from 18 appearances this term. He has missed six games due to a hamstring injury and he is currently sidelined with an abdominal issue.
Arsenal have had a tough time coping with the regular injury concerns of Gabriel Jesus and they would not want to fall into the same trap after spending big on Osimhen.
Toney has been on the Gunners’ radar for some period of time, but we believe the hierarchy should look into a deal for Watkins instead when the transfer window reopens.
The Englishman has been in sparkling form for the Villans this season and he has already registered 16 goals and 12 assists from just 32 appearances in all competitions.
The 28-year-old can find the back of the net with either foot and he is a genuine aerial threat. Watkins is not a strong ball-playing striker, but he has created eight big chances.
On top of this, the striker has had an extraordinary fitness record and has missed just two games for Villa due to injury. He would be a no-brainer signing for Arsenal this summer.
Watkins is valued at £51 million by Transfermarkt but could cost more. Villa will be eager to keep him this summer and could convince him if they qualify for the Champions League.
If that does not happen, the Gunners should fancy their chances of prising him away. Watkins may be 28, but he is in the best phase of his career and could stay at his peak for the next four years at least.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com