Arsenal remain heavily linked with a marquee summer transfer move for either RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko or Sporting CP bagsman Viktor Gyokeres but there looks to be a third option that remains of interest.
Adding an extra source of goals is the number one priority at the Emirates Stadium this summer for sporting director Andrea Berta. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have struggled under the pressure to lead the line for the Gunners and Arsenal are expected to have the cash for serious investment.
Transfer rumours over the last two weeks have seen the north London club’s priority supposedly flip flop between Sesko and Gyokeres. The former is the more expensive option at £70 million but perhaps an easier deal to broker than Gyokeres, who is a top target for Manchester United.
Arsenal remain interested in Aston Villa striker
The Sporting striker had been tipped to leave Portugal for a £59 million fee thanks to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the club, but that has since been rubbished by the outfit’s director. Instead, a £68 million fee may be more likely but that is a lofty price for a player who has not turned out in the continent’s top five leagues, despite his prolific record.
Arsenal could have another option in Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, available for almost half the price of those European titans. The Gunners made a late January move for the Villains man but saw a £60 million bid rejected by their Premier League rivals.
Portuguese outlet Record, who have been closely following the Gyokeres sale, claim that the England international remains of interest to Arsenal. It’s added that the Gunners have been in touch with the player’s representatives and that the striker could now be available for less than £40 million.
Watkins was due to be in action for England this summer but was forced to withdraw from the squad with a minor injury. He bagged 17 goals in all competitions for Aston Villa last season but has somewhat fallen out of favour under Unai Emery.
Ollie Watkins not happy to play second fiddle at Villa Park
Marcus Rashford has now left Villa Park and returned to Manchester United, which could aid Watkins’ fight for a place in the starting XI but the chance to be the main man at Arsenal would no doubt tempt him to move away from the Midlands. The striker’s deal is not set to expire until 2028, which would put Aston Villa in a strong place for negotiations.
Having only been used as a substitute in Villa’s Champions League quarter finals against PSG, Watkins said: “I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games. I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn’t playing – I let him [Unai Emery] know that. He’s the manager, you have to respect his decision, [but] I am not one of these players happy to sit on the bench.
“It is something I have not experienced before, to miss out on the biggest stage. I wanted to be out on the pitch for much longer. I have played a big part to get to where we are today and I want to play in those games.”
In other news, Arsenal sign £49m winger, Brazil star and Man Utd target in dream starting XI if transfer rumours are true.
