Arsenal are preparing a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as Mikel Arteta continues his hunt for a new centre-forward for the 2024/25 season, according to Fichajes(h/t Football365).
The Gunners have been chasing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen but PSG have set their sights on the Nigerian international which makes it really hard for the Premier League side to try and land him in the summer.
It will be almost impossible for Arsenal to fight with a cash-rich team like PSG which is why they will now be focusing on Ollie Watkins who has a price tag of around €100 million on his shoulders. His current market value is €60 million but because his contract expires in 2028, Villa are well within their rights to quote such a massive price tag.
What will Ollie Watkins bring to this Arsenal side?
Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have failed to lead the line convincingly at the club but Mikel Arteta has plans to bring in a world-class replacement in the summer.
Victor Osimhen is a prolific goal-scorer and while the forward is keen to play in the Premier League, a club like PSG can offer him a massive salary package.
Ollie Watkins on the other hand, is around €20-30 million cheaper and the England international is in the form of his life right now. He’s played more than 150 games for Villa since joining them in 2020 and this season, he’s had 23 goal contributions in 25 Premier League matches.
He is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing and this versatility can be a great asset for Arsenal.
In 2229 minutes of league football, Ollie Watkins has an xG of 13.98 and an xA of 5.79. Based on xG, the England international is the fifth-best centre-forward in the Premier League so far this season.
Aston Villa are currently sitting in the fourth spot in the table and Watkins’ fine form has been a major contributor to the success Unai Emery’s side has seen this season.
Combined, Jesus and Nektiah have scored 9 league goals this season and any day, Ollie Watkins will be a much better upgrade than these two.
Stats via Understat.
