Arsenal will be eager to strengthen their attack this summer as they prepare for the new season.
The Gunners looked like genuine title contenders at one stage, but Liverpool ultimately pulled away to win the Premier League by a 15-point margin.
Injuries to attackers disrupted Mikel Arteta’s plans, forcing makeshift solutions like using Mikel Merino up front. While he has done a decent job, the injuries to key players impacted Arsenal’s game.
Arteta had hoped to sign a new forward in the January transfer window, with Arsenal submitting a bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. But the move fell through after Villa opted to sell Jhon Duran to the Saudi Pro League instead.
Arsenal continue to be linked with Watkins ahead of the summer transfer window, although there are some concerns.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Arsenal have one concern regarding Ollie Watkins
According to The Athletic, Berta is keeping a close eye on Ollie Watkins’ situation.
And while Arteta is said to be a big fan of the player, the club does have concerns over paying a fee of over £40m for him considering his age.
Watkins was reportedly disappointed by Aston Villa’s refusal to sell him in January and also expressed frustration after being left on the bench during their Champions League clash with PSG.
With Berta monitoring Watkins’ situation, it remains to be seen how his future shapes up in the summer.
Ollie Watkins would jump at the opportunity to sign for Arsenal
Arsenal showed interest in Ollie Watkins back in January, and while he may still be on their radar, the Gunners now have a wider pool of attacking options to consider ahead of the summer window.
Arsenal have been linked with Alexander Isak, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also linked with a move to the Gunners.
And with the North London club now having concerns over paying the significant fee for Watkins, they could opt to go big on someone like Isak instead.
Club Appearances Goals Assists
Aston Villa 221 87 41
Brentford 143 49 15
Exeter City 78 26 17
Ollie Watkins career stats club wise
But in case Berta does decide to make a move for the Aston Villa star, Sam Allardyce believes Watkins will jump at the opportunity to join Arsenal.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “I think if Arsenal are still interested, Ollie Watkins will do his very best to leave now.”