In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Arsenal have set their sights on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. It has been mentioned that the Gunners are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the English forward in the summer.
Watkins’ Impressive Record In English Football
Watkins has enjoyed a good run of form at Villa Park as he has put in a series of impressive displays for the West Midlands club in the final third. The English forward has registered 18 goals and 12 assists in 35 appearances for the Villans this season across all competitions.
The 28-year-old has given a good account of himself in the final third based on his average of 3.0 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 75.9% in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Midlands club will expire in the summer of 2028. Thus, the Gunners would have to make a sizable offer if they are serious about recruiting the English attacker later this year.
What Will Watkins Add To Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta’s Team?
Watkins has proven himself to be a reliable goal-getter up top. He can engineer a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in on-target and can create some inviting chances for others around him in the final third. The English attacker is also quite clever with his movements in and around the opponent’s penalty box. He is even a good passer of the ball.
Someone with Watkins’ quality would no doubt be a great acquisition for the Gunners this summer. He will add more pace and goals to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s frontline. He is good enough to rival Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a regular starting spot at the North London club.
At 28, Watkins has already entered his prime and is well-equipped to make an instant impact at the Emirates Stadium if Arteta can devise a way to get a deal done for him in the summer transfer period.