Arsenal urged to focus on 87-goal Premier League forward in summer striker search

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Arsenal have been urged to pursue Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins if they are unable to land Newcastle United’s £150 million-rated striker Alexander Isak this summer.

The Gunners are expected to prioritise signing a new centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window, with the need for a reliable goalscorer long overdue at the Emirates. While Isak remains a top target for Mikel Arteta’s side, Newcastle’s reluctance to sell and the player’s hefty valuation have forced Arsenal to explore alternative options.

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres is reportedly one of the names on Arsenal’s radar, with the club said to be preparing a bumper contract offer. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has also been linked with a move to north London. However, former Arsenal winger and football pundit Jermaine Pennant believes Watkins would be the most sensible and effective signing.

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“Arsenal do need a striker,” Pennant told aceodds.com. “If they’ve got the money, get Isak. But I think they should go back into the market for Ollie Watkins. I think he would be great.

“Everyone wants Isak, that’s obvious. But if they can’t splash £150m on him, then go and get Watkins. He’s got an eye for goal, he’s got pace, he’s an international and I think he would work well in Arteta’s system.”

Pennant added that Watkins’ ability to link play and his experience in the Premier League make him a smarter bet than other foreign-based targets.

“He can link up play. He’s got it all, to be fair to him, and he’ll cost far less than Isak,” Pennant continued. “Watkins is a proven Premier League player, so he’s a better bet than someone like Gyökeres. We’ve seen Darwin Núñez light it up in Portugal and struggle in England.”

Watkins underlined his value once again on Saturday, scoring the only goal in Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth to become the club’s all-time top Premier League scorer.

His performances this season have also drawn praise from fellow pundit Rio Ferdinand, who said earlier this month that Watkins “deserves” a move to Arsenal.

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“He’s one of the main reasons why Aston Villa are playing Champions League football next season,” Ferdinand said. “I think for any defender he’s a hard day’s work, 100 per cent. He’s added quality to his game over the last few years.

“His route to the top hasn’t been conventional—no academies, he’s worked his way here—and he deserves everything he gets. I wasn’t surprised Arsenal came in for him because I think he deserves that given the performances and the output he’s been putting in.”

The 28-year-old England international has scored 87 goals and registered 41 assists in 221 appearances for Aston Villa, firmly establishing himself as one of the most consistent forwards in the Premier League.

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