Arsenal are in desperate need of signing a striker in the summer transfer window, they could go after Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. 

The Gunners made a bid for Watkins in the January window, but it could be argued that it was more to show intent than anything else, seeing as there is no way that Villa were going to sell the England international.

Since then, Arsenal saw an injury to Kai Havertz, meaning that they were forced to play midfielder Mikel Merino up front instead. However, this summer, that saga will likely end as they are expected to sign a striker.

Assuming that their interest in Watkins was fully genuine, Arsenal could be seeing the perfect opportunity arising for them due to the striker’s situation at Villa Park.

In recent weeks, Unai Emery has been playing Marcus Rashford up front, which has resulted in the benching of Watkins, something that the striker said has frustrated him. After their Champions League game against PSG, in which Watkins was benched for Rashford, Watkins told Sky Sports: “I let [Emery] know that. He’s the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision. But I’m not one of the players happy to sit on the bench.

“It’s something I haven’t experienced before and then to miss out on the biggest stage, you always want to play, especially in the Champions League. Me and a few others are disappointed we didn’t start the game but like I said, it’s the manager’s decision.”

It seems as though recently, Emery has began to prefer Rashford to Watkins, which could be a hint that he is intent on taking the £40m buy option in Rashford’s loan deal at Villa, meaning that Watkins could be surplus to requirements.

Arsenal could sign Watkins this summer if Villa keep Rashford

Instead of spending big on someone such as Viktor Gyokeres, who is expected to cost around £70m, or Alexander Isak, who will cost over £100m, Arsenal could pursue Watkins if Rashford signs permanently for Villa.

All that the Gunners need is a striker who can simply put the ball in the net. Over the past two seasons, Watkins has scored 43 goals for Villa, proving himself to being one of the best in the Premier League.

However, if he is left on the bench behind Rashford, the 29-year-old will be keen to leave Villa whilst in his prime. He could join Arsenal, who are his boyhood club…

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