Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has recently urged the Gunners to target Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to enhance their chance of winning the Premier League title.
In the past two seasons, Arsenal had finished second in the league behind Manchester City, narrowly missing out on the top spot. Last season, they were particularly close, losing the title by just two points.
Petit believes that to close the gap and secure the championship, Arsenal should prioritise the acquisition of a high-quality striker before the transfer window closes. He argued that the team needs a forward who can excel in aerial battles and possess a physical presence, qualities that he feels are currently lacking in the Gunners’ attack.
According to Petit, Arsenal’s attack has become too predictable and Watkins could bring the necessary dynamism and unpredictability to the front line.
Speaking about the same, he stated, “There are a few players who tick all these boxes on the market. I’m a huge fan of Ollie Watkins. I love him! He’s strong physically. He has the pace to run in behind defenders.”
The former French star further added, “He’s able to fight with two defenders all the time and can hold up the ball. I think he would be perfect for the football that Arsenal play. He has the ability to play one-on-one combinations and I think he would fit like a glove into an Arsenal team and system.”
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Ollie Watkins enjoyed an impressive last season
Ollie Watkins had a standout 2023/24 season with Aston Villa. He scored an impressive 27 goals and provided 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. One of his notable performances was in the 2-0 victory over Arsenal during last season.
However, despite Petit’s recommendation, a transfer for Watkins seems unlikely in the current window. Aston Villa, having qualified for the Champions League after a 40-year absence, has little incentive to sell their star striker.
Additionally, Watkins appears content with his role at Villa, making it even more difficult for Arsenal to secure a deal. The Midlands club is unlikely to weaken their squad by parting ways with the 28-year-old, given their ambitions for the upcoming season.