Arsenal are already looking for strikers ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window – and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins appears to be a prime target.
Alexandre Lacazette’s contract expires at the end of the season, and it seems he won’t be given a new one.
That means Arsenal will need another striker to support Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and two targets are now being linked.
The Sun claim that Arsenal want Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Watkins grew up supporting Arsenal, admitting to Sports Gazette in 2020 that his dream is to play for Arsenal.
If the Gunners have the cash to tempt Villa into a deal, Watkins would surely jump at the chance of a move to North London.
The 25-year-old hit 14 Premier League goals last season and could give Arsenal a goal threat as well as a pressing machine in attack.
If anybody knows Watkins, it’s former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who plays with Watkins at Villa.
Martinez spoke about Watkins in November 2020, branding him ‘outstanding’ and a ‘nightmare’ for defenders to deal with.
Martinez even picked out Watkins’ display against Arsenal for praise, suggesting his pressing was vital.
This is the kind of player Mikel Arteta will want, and Arsenal may be planning to help Watkins fulfil his Gunners dream after all.
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