Arsenal have faltered in recent weeks, losing to both Everton and Manchester City in the Premier League title race, but they still lead City by two points with a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta is motivated by the prospect of winning the league for the first time since 2003/04, and with the added bonus of returning to the Champions League after a six-year absence, the Spaniard is still looking to strengthen the team.
According to recent reports, the club has been linked with Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.
However, given Arteta’s lack of forward options, a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins makes the most sense, and his performance against the Gunners a few weeks ago may be a factor.
Watkins bullied William Saliba throughout Arsenal’s recent 4-2 victory over Villa, which featured a late comeback by the Gunners.
The £75k-per-week “absolute handful,” as fantasy football writer Josh Norris dubbed him, not only scored, but also won three of his five duels, made two tackles, and was generally a nuisance to the backline, making it a difficult afternoon for Saliba, who struggled to deal with Watkins’ threat.
He may not be the most glamorous signing Arteta ever makes, but he could prove to be very useful and would undoubtedly form a solid partnership with Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been excellent on the right wing for Arsenal this season, contributing 18 goals – ten goals and eight assists – while also delivering 1.1 crosses and making 2.2 key passes per game, giving Watkins plenty of chances to score.
Indeed, the Villa striker has eight Premier League goals this season, two of which have come from headers, and the Englishman would undoubtedly benefit from Saka delivering crosses into the box for him to pounce on.
The partnership could work well for Arsenal, and while Watkins may not be Arteta’s first choice once Gabriel Jesus is fully fit, the 28-year-old could provide a different dynamic ahead of next season.
