Rio Ferdinand lavished praise on to Arsenal transfer target Ollie Watkins, who is having the season of his life at Aston Villa.
At the start of March, journalist Rudy Galetti reported that Mikel Arteta has asked Edu Gaspar to sign the £28 million (BBC Sport) man in the summer.
As one awaits to see whether Arsenal actually explore a transfer for Ollie Watkins, Rio Ferdinand certainly rates the in-form striker.
Rio Ferdinand issues positive Ollie Watkins verdict amid Arsenal transfer links
The England international has 14 goals and six assists in the league alone this campaign, and that too for a Villa side that were battling relegation during Steven Gerrard’s time in charge.
However, since Unai Emery’s arrival, the 27-year-old’s showings have gone up many gears, as exemplified by his masterful performance against Newcastle on Saturday.
Rio Ferdinand has certainly taken notice of how decisive Ollie Watkins has been and while one will wait and watch to see whether Arsenal will try to complete a transfer for him, an all-time great has sung his praises.
“If Ollie Watkins ain’t in the next England squad, I’ll be amazed. Has to be, man. Phenomenal. I said on telly the other day, he’s doing [Erling] Haaland numbers”, he told the FIVE YouTube channel. “Since he’s been back from the World Cup, before the game at the weekend actually, he scored and that was before Haaland. But he’s around the same as Haaland, numbers wise.”
“He’s making runs and he’s taking defenders into areas where they’re uncomfortable, he’s making it a hard day’s work for everyone he’s playing against. I really like him and he’s getting better and better.”
Well, if one of the Premier League’s greatest ever defenders believes Ollie Watkins would be a nightmare to play against, perhaps Arsenal should put him right at the top of their summer transfer wish list.
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