Shay Given thinks Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins could be worthy of a transfer to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The former Premier League goalkeeper thinks that the 27-year-old, who netted a hat-trick as Aston Villa thrashed Brighton 6- 1 on Saturday, is an ‘under the radar’ player, as he told Premier League Productions (01/10/23 at 6:20 pm).
There is talk of Ollie Watkins possibly signing a new contract at Unai Emery’s ever-improving Villa side, but Given thinks that the player’s agent could be ‘secretly saying’ to the likes of Arsenal that he is good enough to play at their level.
Whilst those in the Midlands are pushing to secure Champions League football this term, Arsenal are trying to win the Premier League title.
After holding such a commanding lead last season, the Gunners shot themselves in the foot and handed the title to Manchester City.
Many feel that Mikel Arteta’s side lacks the depth to compete right till the very end, with the number nine spot a position that has previously been spoken about.
Ollie Watkins to Arsenal?
“He has gone under the radar, but maybe because he plays for Aston Villa,” said Given. “But Aston Villa are a big football club, people forget that, at times.
“Maybe he is talking about a new contact, at the minute.
“When you look at other clubs in the Premier League like Arsenal, Chelsea or even Man United. Someone of his calibre. I wonder if his agent is sort of secretly saying ‘he is of that level. He can grab goals’.
“You mention the goal involvements and how many goals he has as well. Without Ollie Watkins, I wouldn’t say Villa would be in trouble, but they wouldn’t be as strong. He just looks so consistent with his finishing as well. You talk about strikers panicking in front of the goal. He is the opposite. He is a brilliant striker.”
Ollie Watkins thriving at Villa
Whilst it would be a step up for the former Brentford player if he joined Arsenal, it’s pretty obvious that if they wanted to sign him, then serious money would have to be put on the table.
Villa are financially stable, back in Europe, looking up and having one of the best managers in Europe at their disposal.
Just like Jack Grealish a number of years ago, if they had to part ways with Watkins, then it would be for serious, serious amounts.
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