Jamie O’Hara has dismissed Arsenal signing Ollie Watkins this summer by stating that there is a ‘big difference’ between the London club and Aston Villa, as he told talkSPORT.
Arsenal are on the lookout for a new striker this summer, with Eddie Nketiah the only senior striker at the club after the 23-year-old recently signed a new contract.
Nketiah’s new deal was met with a mixed reaction, Highbury legend Ian Wrigh slammed those critics, but O’Hara thinks that it’s an ’embarrassment’ that the Hale-End star has been handed Arsenal’s famous number 14 shirt.
Either way, it seems as though Arsenal will be looking to add Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus to their ranks this summer, but they face competition from other teams.
Watkins is a boyhood Arsenal fan and when the 26-year-old’s name popped up as a possible signing for the Gunners, this is how O’Hara reacted.
“No, come on,” said O’Hara. “There is a big difference. It’s Arsenal. That’s Arsenal making a mistake (on Nketiah’s new contract).
“Ollie Watkins is a very good player. But for Aston Villa. Arsenal is a cut above.”
WHICH STRIKER SHOULD ARSENAL SIGN?
There’s no doubt that Arsenal’s lack of firepower last season played a part in them missing out on securing Champions League football.
Whilst Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s top-scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals, Harry Kane notched up 17 Premier League goals and Heung-Min Son won the Golden Boot for his 23.
That played a huge part in Tottenham securing fourth, and if Arsenal don’t get their act right this summer, then they will just fall further behind.
Nketiah is a good option for the future and someone who can do the job in the long-term, but Mikel Arteta needs that proven performer right now.
That one top striker transfer could just change the mood around the Emirates, heading into pre-season and the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
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