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Arsenal are reportedly ‘keeping a close eye’ on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins ahead of a potential move this summer.
The Lowdown: In form
Watkins is a striker at the top of his game at the moment, with five goals in his last five games in the Premier League, including one in a 2-0 win away at Everton on the weekend.
He also netted against Arsenal the weekend before, but it was not enough as the Gunners ran out 4-2 winners at Villa Park.
The Latest: Arsenal interest
Taking to Twitter, journalist Steve Kay says that the North Londoners are ‘keeping a close eye’ on Watkins, according to ‘sources’, and could make a move this summer, while Mikel Arteta is thought to be a ‘massive admirer’:
“Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is one of the strikers that Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on as a possible summer signing according to sources.
“Arteta is a massive admirer of the England international, who recently praised the forward in the away win against Villa.”
The Verdict: Smart move
Watkins would certainly be a smart move from the Emirates Stadium outfit, as he knows the Premier League already and is entering his prime at 27.
His former manager Dean Smith claims that the Englishman is ‘one of the best pressing centre-forwards‘ in the division, as evident by the fact that he ranks in the 88th percentile of all forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions per game over the past year.
On top of his eye for a goal, his incredible work-rate would also please Arteta, and so it is no surprise to see the Spaniard’s admiration of him.
Nonetheless, the Gunners will feel that they will need extra forward cover next season, especially considering they look likely to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and Gabriel Jesus has found himself injured for a large chunk of this campaign.
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