Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has compared Gunners target Ollie Watkins to Thierry Henry.
Whilst praising the club legend, Merson said that the only player he can think of who plays similarly to the Frenchman is the Aston Villa striker:
“His [Henry’s] pace, he’s the only player I know who could run around the outside of players and get inside. He made people look average, which is some doing. He was a winger, then Wenger put this man up front, the rest is history. He was the first one who played as a centre-forward and came from out to in, you see it with Ollie Watkins doing it now, that’s what he would do, Thierry Henry.”
Watkins is known to be on Arsenal’s list of options as they consider signing a new No.9, so there is a chance that the England international could move to the Emirates next summer.
The Villa forward has been in impressive form
Unai Emery’s side have exceeded all expectations this season and Watkins’ form has played a key part in his team’s performances.
The 28-year-old has scored 16 goals in all competitions so far, as well as providing 12 assists. Considering Gabriel Jesus has only 8 goals and 5 assists, there is an argument to say that the Villa man would be an upgrade on the Brazilian.
Watkins is not the only striker that Arsenal are targeting
The Gunners are believed to be considering a number of different names as they look at ways to strengthen their forward line ahead of next season.
In addition to Watkins, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney have also been scouted. However, with Chelsea And Manchester United also interested in the latter two, it remains to be seen who will emerge as Arsenal’s top priority.
