Transfer Talk: Arsenal want Watkins as striker hunt continues

Mitchell Fretton

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Ollie Watkins scored for England against Australia on Friday

Arsenal are moving forward in their search for a new striker and have identified Aston Villa hotshot Ollie Watkins as a potential recruit.

The 27-year-old has been in great form for both club and country this season, bagging seven goals in all competitions for Villa and scoring his third international goal for England against Australia on Friday.

Sources in Spain claim Watkins would be interested in a move to North London but go on to say that a deal would not be easy due to Villa's desire to compete among the top six in England.

It would take a significant offer from the Gunners to snatch the speedy forward away from Villa Park as he still has five years left on his contract having signed an extension earlier this month.

Arsenal's significant summer spending also means they have to tread carefully to avoid breaching financial fair play rules but sales in January could open the door for them to accelerate their plans.

The North Londoners have also been linked with Brentford marksman Ivan Toney and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen but both would likely command a larger fee than England international Watkins.

Villa are competing in the Europa Conference League under Unai Emery in 2023-24 but the lure of Champions League football from a club like Arsenal could convince the former Brentford man to push for a move.

Constant injuries to Gabriel Jesus and a lack of faith shown in Eddie Nketiah suggest Mikel Arteta would be open to welcoming a new star striker to the Emirates.