Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has urged the club to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title.
The Gunners have finished second in the league behind Manchester City in the last two seasons. They went head-to-head to Pep Guardiola’s side last term and eventually lost by a two-point margin.
The London giants are aiming to go all the way next season and Petit believes they need to add a top-class striker to their squad.
He said in a recent interview: “Signing a striker should be Arsenal’s number one priority in the transfer window. They need someone who is good in the air and can also be physically imposing.
“It’s good to have different options, and with Arsenal, you know how they will play on the attack, and it can be too predictable.
“With the amount of balls they put into the box, they need to find someone to score headers. That is one part of the attack that must improve.
“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.
“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.”
Watkins had an exceptional 2023/24 season with Villa. He bagged 27 goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.
One of those goals came in the 2-0 win over Arsenal earlier this year. It was the Gunners’ only league defeat of the year, but it proved costly in their pursuit of the title.
The Englishman has transformed into one of the Premier League’s best strikers and signing him would definitely enhance Arsenal’s chances of overhauling Man City.
However, a deal appears improbable in the current transfer window. Villa have just qualified for the Champions League after four decades and have no reason to sell.
Watkins is also happy with the proceedings at the Midlands outfit. The club are unlikely to weaken their squad by parting ways with the 28-year-old.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
