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It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have been searching for a striker for some time. Their bid for Ollie Watkins was rejected last transfer window, and they have been heavily linked with the likes of Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres. With both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffering long-term injuries this season, the need for the Gunners to strengthen in this position has become even more urgent.
One player who could quickly fill the void at the Emirates is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Arsenal saw a £40 million bid rejected during the final days of the January transfer window earlier this year. Although links have quietened since, Watkins remains a player Arteta is reportedly keen on.
Watkins boasts bundles of talent, from his ability to score from a variety of angles to his intelligent runs down the channels. The England international has also proven to be decisive in crucial moments—scoring the goal that sent England to the Euro final against the Netherlands, as well as netting the decisive strike at the Emirates last season.
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His output in recent Premier League seasons has been consistently impressive. Watkins currently has 15 goals and 7 assists in 34 games. Last season, he performed at an outstanding level, registering 19 goals and 13 assists in the league. It’s clear that this is a striker who delivers the numbers—something Arsenal have been lacking up front.
Ollie Watkins has 15 goals and 7 assists in 34 games for Aston Villa this season (Image credit: Getty Images)Watkins’ age has been a talking point, as he will turn 30 in December 2025. However, despite his advancing years, there’s no sign that his abilities are waning. With Arteta having assembled a youthful squad, a senior figure could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Arsenal need ready-made signings—players who can hit the ground running—and who better than a proven Premier League striker? Watkins would bring something unique to the Arsenal attack, with attributes different from those of the club’s current options.
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As for his price tag, there hasn’t been much indication of whether the £60 million valuation will change. It’s worth noting that Unai Emery has occasionally left Watkins out of key fixtures, including both the Champions League clash with PSG and the crucial top-four showdown against Manchester City. This could hint that the striker may be available for transfer this summer.
There’s no guarantee Arsenal will renew their interest, but what is certain is that Watkins is a player of the calibre befitting a club of Arsenal’s stature. This is a saga well worth keeping an eye on as the summer window approaches.
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