Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is considering a move to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as an alternative to Brentford hitman Ivan Toney.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is once again being linked with a move to his boyhood club Arsenal.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Mikel Arteta is considering moving for Watkins in 2024.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table and will be hoping to clinch top spot this time having missed out to Manchester City last season.
The Gunners may look for another goalscorer to try and get over the line, with three names now mentioned in a recent report…
Arsenal interested in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
Reports from the Daily Mail just a few days ago suggested that Watkins is one of three names being considered by Arsenal boss Arteta.
It’s suggested that Brentford striker Ivan Toney is one of the targets, alongside Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
Then there is Watkins, who has been in strong form this season with seven goals and five assists in 13 Premier League games.
Arsenal may well fancy signing Watkins but we can’t see the Gunners being able to strike a January deal.
Watkins only signed a ‘long-term contract’ with Villa in October, committing his future to the club for years to come.
Unless that deal has a release clause, we just can’t see how Villa would even consider a sale in January.
What has Watkins said about Arsenal?
The move may appeal to Watkins though, given that he is a boyhood Arsenal fan.
Watkins told Pro Direct Soccer in 2022 that he was a ‘big Arsenal fan’ growing up.
Watkins also admitted, whilst playing for Brentford, that his ultimate dream was to play for Arsenal one day – even though it was a ‘long shot’.
Fast forward a few years and Arsenal now appear to be interested in luring Watkins to North London after all.
Arteta may well admire Watkins for his style of play, offering a real threat in behind defences whilst having plenty of experience in terms of leading the line on his own.
If Watkins would leave Aston Villa for anybody, it may be Arsenal, but we still can’t see the Gunners pulling this one off in January.
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