Ollie Watkins to Arsenal: Why the Gunners want to sign the Aston Villa star | OneFootball

Arsenal are interested in bringing in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before the transfer window shuts.

The Daily Mail say the Gunners will go back in with an improved offer after seeing their opening bid turned down for the forward.

But with only a few days left remaining of the window, can Arsenal complete a deal for him? And why are they targeting Watkins, aside from the obvious that he is a very talented player?

Versatility

Watkins has obviously had his biggest success as Villa’s main number nine, scoring 27 goals in 53 games in all competitions last season and 10 in 31 so far this campaign.

But he also has the ability and the versatility to play wider if needed. He is a real threat playing out on the left-hand side where he can cut onto his favoured right foot and it would give Mikel Arteta different options.

Arteta has shown he is keen to bring in players who can play in different positions in attack, such as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, and Watkins fits the bill too.

Pace in behind

The 29-year-old has made his name as a striker who is a real threat running in behind. He thrives on making those darting runs beyond the last defender and has the speed to get on the end of through balls.

Should he join Arsenal, he would have one of the best playmakers in the league in Martin Odegaard playing behind him, which could form a potentially devastating combination. He looks like a good fit with the personnel and system at Arsenal.

He grew up an Arsenal fan

Watkins has previously admitted he grew up as an Arsenal fan. While playing for Brentford in 2020, he revealed: “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot.”

A lot has happened since then but if Watkins still has the desire to play for Arsenal, a move could be made easier.

Experience

Watkins being 29-years-old might make some question whether Arsenal should be targeting the striker, but the flip side is that he brings bags of experience to a side which is trying to get over the line and win major honours having gone close in the last two years.

He has been a Premier League regular for some time now and played a big part with England in the Euros too, scoring that crucial winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands.

This year he has been exposed to Champions League football and he is used to playing in big games and with significant pressure on his shoulders.