Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, and Gunners legend Thierry Henry’s verdict on him will surely please the Emirates Stadium faithful.
Arsenal are scoring goals for fun and are demolishing teams left, right and centre. In recent weeks, the Gunners have brushed aside Sheffield United, Newcastle United, Burnley and West Ham United.
What is even more impressive is that Arsenal have not been able to include Gabriel Jesus in the starting lineup due to an injury.
Not that Jesus is a particularly prolific striker, but he is a ‘striker’. Kai Havertz is not, and he has been played as a false nine.
Arsenal linked with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
There is speculation that Arsenal will try to sign a striker in the summer transfer window, and one of the players who has been linked with the Gunners in recent months is Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins.
Journalist Chris Wheatley said on ShotsTV in late October 2023 that Watkins is among the strikers Arsenal are looking to sign. The reporter noted that Arsenal, “like” Watkins.
Thierry Henry’s verdict
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has noted how good Watkins is besides scoring goals. The former France international forward has pointed out that the 28-year-old England international striker provides assists as well.
Henry said about Watkins on Sky Sports News (6:58 pm, March 4, 2024): “This is always something that I always mention about players. Can you also assist?
“We all know that Ollie Watkins can score, we all know that Mo Salah can score. It’s the first time that Salah has been on 8, 7, 9 or whatever.
“But can you add something else? Can you come, can you lay off the ball to someone? We all know you can score. So, that impresses me, the 10 assists.”
Watkins is doing extremely well at Aston Villa at the moment, and I am not surprised that Arsenal have him on their radar.
Watkins has made 27 appearances in the Premier League for Villa so far this season. The 28-year-old has scored 16 goals and given 10 assists in those games.
The England international striker scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 36 Premier League starts for the Villans last season.
Villa are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season, and I do not think that the Villans will sell Watkins if they get into the UEFA Champions League.
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