Martin Keown has admitted that he would ‘definitely’ be open to the idea of Danny Ings joining Arsenal from Southampton if Pierre Emerick Aubameyang departs, while speaking to talkSPORT (10.25am, 17 July).
After just three goals and 14 Premier League appearances in a trio of injury-ravaged seasons at Liverpool, you’d be forgiven for wondering whether a speedy centre-forward would ever establish himself as a prolific number nine at the top level of English football.
But to say Ings has silenced the doubters would be one hell of an understatement.
In fact, the 27-year-old has been in such remarkable form this season that, if Euro 2020 was still scheduled to go ahead as planned, Ings would almost be guaranteed a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
The one-time Burnley youngster hit his 20th Premier League goal of the campaign with a typically classy finish as Southampton claimed a point against rivals Brighton on Thursday – his 23rd in all competitions.
With Arsenal expected to lose a talismanic goal-machine of their own this summer, Keown suggests that Ings could be a potential replacement at the Emirates.
“His movement has been outstanding. Southampton have got a bargain and someone who understands that he is getting a second chance,” said a key member of that legendary Invincibles squad from 2003/04.
“Southampton are lucky to have him and I think, while Hasenhuttl is there, they’ll keep him. The two of them together is a little bit special. Without him there, they would have struggled.
“He just can’t stop scoring and there will be a lot of clubs who would be interested in this fella if he became available.
“Would Arsenal be a club (interested in Ings), if Aubameyang left? When you’ve got 20 goals to your name, then everyone is interested in you.
“I’d rather have Aubameyang. But if Aubameyang is gone then you need goals and players who give you belief to win games and Ings is one of those.
“Yeah, I’d definitely be looking at him.”
Southampton looked to have taken a major risk when they paid £20 million last summer for a forward who had spent much of the last few years on the treatment table.
But it is a testament to how far Ings has come in 12 months that, right now, that £20 million fee looks like a bargain.
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