In truth, Arsenal are now ahead of the striker search, and their latest target is the smallest man on Aston Villa’s side, Ollie Watkins. Arteta is determined to add more of the firepower he wants to his Arsenal squad to help him to close down Liverpool in the Premier League title race—and he is desperate for Arsenal to sign firepower to his squad. Still, Arsenal will have to convince Villa to sell their top goalscorer, but can it be during the middle of one of their biggest seasons?
For now, at least, Villa have emphatically answered “no” when it comes to Arsenal’s first approach and have told Watkins is not for sale. Indeed, when has a determined club ever not tried again?
Why Arsenal Want Watkins So Badly
If we’re being real, Arsenal’s attack has been as clinical as a toddler with a crayon. Though Gabriel Jesus is a great all-round forward, he doesn’t have the killer instinct of someone earmarked to be a true No. 9. Eddie Nketiah has impressed, but he is not the answer to the long-term solution of a club aiming to win the title.
Watkins makes his entrance in this. Fast, strong, and lethal in front of goal, he is 29. If that is the case, he would immediately make Arsenal’s attack better and is very capable of turning half chances into goals.
Watkins: The Perfect Fit for Arteta’s System
Watkins is someone who is not simply a goal scorer but a worker. He presses relentlessly, he makes intelligent runs, and he can hold up play—all qualities that would make him a dream signing for Arteta’s high-intensity system.
The other plus is his ability to thrive in big matches. Watkins is too familiar to Arsenal fans; Villa came from behind at the Emirates and basically scored a vital equalizer against them last month. It’s no coincidence that Arteta is eager to bring him to North London.
Villa’s Stance: Unai Emery Won’t Budge
The problem is, Unai Emery has had none of it. This season with Aston Villa, they are flying high, and to sell Watkins now would be to hand the winning lottery ticket to your opponent.
There just aren’t any other strikers Villa are willing to sell, and Jhon Duran threatening to go to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia is unlikely to weaken their attack further. Villa want to keep hold of Watkins and Arsenal would have to put together a very persuasive offer to make them change their mind.
Could Arsenal Make a Second Bid?
And the latest reports are suggesting Arsenal are weighing up a second bid. But how much will it take? With Watkins so important to Villa, £70 million is probably the only number they’d get off the phone given.
It’s also honest to admit that had Arsenal had talent for negotiating, they wouldn’t have squared away a whole summer (and failed) to coax in Moisés Caicedo.
The title race factor: Can Arsenal afford to wait?
With Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, every game counts. Missed chances in front of goal will not be tolerated by the Gunners and cannot be afforded dropped points. Failure to achieve one in January could result in them watching Liverpool and Manchester City slip away.
The real question is who, if not Watkins? Generally, with the top strikers over in January time, there aren’t many, and Arsenal are likely to opt for a short-term solution.
My Take on Watkins to Arsenal
I get why Arsenal want Watkins as a football fan. He’s quick, clinical and a proven Premier League goal scorer. However, this move came too late. And why would Villa, in the course of a terrific season, sell their best striker to a direct rival? Just as if you were loaning that favorite jacket of yours to someone who is, without a doubt, going to spill coffee on.
If they are serious, Arsenal will have to break the bank. Otherwise, this saga will conclude as most Arsenal transfer moves do… a lot of talking, no deal.
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