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Arsenal’s search for a new striker has intensified ahead of the summer transfer window, with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand backing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins for a switch to the Emirates.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand said Watkins “deserves everything he gets” and would thrive under Mikel Arteta. He hailed the England striker’s relentless work ethic and development over recent years, describing him as “a hard day’s work for any defender” and a key figure behind Villa’s Champions League qualification.
“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,” Ferdinand said. “He’s one of the main reasons why they’re playing Champions League football.”
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Arsenal had a £40 million bid for Watkins rejected in January, with Villa choosing to retain the 29-year-old and instead selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £65 million. However, Watkins has since cast uncertainty over his future, expressing frustration at being benched by Unai Emery in both legs of Villa’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Ollie Watkins (Image credit: Getty Images)The Gunners, who are expected to reinforce their attacking options this summer, remain linked with several strikers. Alongside Watkins, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are also on their radar.
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Gyökeres, who scored a staggering 52 goals in 48 appearances for Sporting this season, is being closely monitored by Arsenal, who have reportedly begun preliminary talks with the Swedish forward’s representatives. New sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be leading the push for Gyökeres, identifying him as a top target.
The 26-year-old is attracting interest from across Europe, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, but is believed to favour a move to a Champions League club—giving Arsenal an edge in the race for his signature. Sporting are understood to be open to a sale in the region of £58–63 million.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains a long-standing target, though his high valuation may complicate any potential deal.
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