Ollie Watkins has opened up about his desire to play for Arsenal. The 28-year old striker has attracted massive attention from Premier League teams including Liverpool.
Watkins is a quick player with formidable work-rate. Moreover, the Englishman clocked a top speed of 36.1km/h this season. Additionally, his sense of positioning and attacking runs are a constant menace to the opposition defenses.
Watkins can also play as a winger. However, given the recent success he has enjoyed as a center forward, Watkins would likely be playing in the no. 10 position more often.
The 28-year old’s current market value stands at career best, near to the £50 million mark.
From Exeter City graduate to England International: The rise of Watkins!
Watkins joined Exeter City’s academy as an 11-year old in 2003. The Englishman rose through the ranks and began his professional career with Exeter in 2014. In December 2014, Weston-super-Mare signed Watkins on a short-term loan deal. The 28-year old scored 10 goals until the end of the 2014-15 campaign at Weston-super-Mare.
Watkins broke through Exeter’s first team in March 2016. Moreover, during his stint, the Englishman bagged 21 goals in 68 appearances. Watkins earned several accolades during his tenure. He was handed the EFL Young Player of the Year Award for his contributions in the 2016-17 campaign. Additionally, he won 3 Player of the Month Awards for March 2016.
Brentford bought the Englishman in 2017 for an undisclosed fee which was estimated to be £1.8 million. Watkins made 132 appearances finding the net 45 times for Brentford. The 28-year old played for the Bees until 2020 garnering recognitions such as the EFL Championship Player of the Year and making the PFA Team of the Year for 2019-20 season.
The 28-year old joined Villa in 2020 for about £28 million, a club record fee at the time. The Englishman has been at the Villa Park for 4 years and found the form of his life this season. Watkins made his international debut in 2021 having scored 3 goals in 11 appearances since then.
The center forward had 32 G/A in 37 league appearances for the Villains this season! Additionally, the 28-year old was the best provider this season with 13 assists in the league!
Moreover, the England international won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season, Aston Villa Players’ Player of the Season, Aston Villa Supporters’ Player of the Season and made it into the Premier League Fan Team of the Season for his incredible performances in the 2023/24 season.
Liverpool ready bid but Ollie Watkins wants Arsenal!
The Villa forward has expressed his desire to join Arsenal as his ‘dream club’. No surprises there given Watkins idolizes Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry. The 28-year old wants to follow in Henry’s footsteps with the Gunners. Ollie Watkins had a massive role under Unai Emery to secure Champions League qualification for Villa.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are preparing a bid for the Englishman. However, reports suggest that The Reds have no intentions to actually try and sign the striker.
“That’s the dream to play for Arsenal one day. But it’s a long shot.
It’s only because my family support them and stuff like that. But that’s a long-term [goal].”
Will Watkins fit at Arsenal?
Ollie Watkins could be a perfect fit for Arsenal under Arteta. The Gunners need goal scoring reinforcement up front. Although, Arsenal secured 2nd spot in the league, all of their goals have come as a team.
A lack of consistent goal scorer is quite evident. While Gabriel Jesus could be the man at the Emirates, but injuries continue to be an issue for the Brazilian.
Arsenal have portrayed glimpses of brilliance as title contenders over the past couple of seasons. If the Gunners put pen-to-paper for Watkins, they may just be unstoppable!
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