Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to target a summer move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to complete his squad. The striker’s recent performances have had Tim Sherwood grunting.
The Gunners boss is keen to add another goal threat to his side at the Emirates Stadium next season Arsenal are expected to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season. They could also defend their first Premier League title since 2003/04.
As a result, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has now set his sights on Watkins, a striker who has excelled at Aston Villa. Rudy Galetti The Spaniard has reportedly asked Gunners sporting director Edu to target the 27-year-old. He has high marks for his contributions as an attacker and striker.
Arteta wants to target Watkins to add another goal threat to his Arsenal squad
Arteta and Edu have several forwards on their shortlist this summer, with Arsenal keen to find a new striker. Wingers Gabriel Martinelli (12) and Bukayo Saka (10) plus midfielder Martin Odegaard (10) are the Emirates Stadium side’s best in the Premier League shooter.
Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal’s fourth-best goalscorer in the top flight this season, with five goals despite missing three months through injury. The Brazilian returned to action last week after undergoing surgery for an injury in December. medial ligament problems this £45 million Stars suffer at the World Cup.
Eddie Nketiah scored four goals initially for Jesus ankle injuryFolarin Balogun has scored 16 goals for Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims during the 21-year-old’s loan spell. He returned to north London this summer.
However Arteta has asked Edu to target Watkins as he believes a move for the Aston Villa striker will complete his Arsenal squad. The 27-year-old has been outstanding at Villa Park in recent weeks since former Gunners boss Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard at the helm.
Watkins has Sherwood grunting in his latest form under Emery
Watkins has been lavishing praise from Sherwood for his recent performances and his progress has been enhanced since Aston Villa sold Danny Ings to West Ham.Emery made the striker join David Moyes’ squad in January £12 million, plus £3 million in add-ons. Although he was their top scorer with six goals.
Watkins had only scored three goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season when Ings left Birmingham.However £28 millionThe former Brentford striker, who has grown in value to £33million, has scored six goals in his last seven games ahead of Saturday’s game against Bournemouth.
During his prolific campaign, Watkins scored once against Southampton, Leicester City, Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton and West Ham. His efforts fascinated Sherwood, too.
“He’s got confidence now,” Sherwood said sky sports news (18/3, 12:26). “They moved Danny Ings to West Ham, he’s a regular and likes to get a little hug from the manager. Obviously, a very experienced manager who has seen a lot of good strikers.
“Having Ollie Watkins as his main man gave the boy a lot of confidence. He scored a lot of good goals from the left.
“He runs behind him tirelessly, he lengthens the team and creates space for the No. 10. So, great, I’m really happy for him because he’s scoring a lot now and for any defender He is one of the few who can be counted on.”
In other news, Conte decides on Son vs. Richarlison: Tottenham line-up predicted for Southampton
