Two Premier League attackers are available for Arsenal to target, and the Gunners have been instructed to consider making a blockbuster bid for one of them, Ollie Watkins.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners had yet another successful season, leading the title chase to the very end but ultimately falling short of stopping Manchester City from capturing a record-tying four titles in a row. However, there is a genuine optimism among Arsenal that a few significant acquisitions this summer may help the north London team advance farther the next time around after also making it to the Champions League quarterfinals.
In light of this, we know the Gunners will give top priority to three new recruits this summer: a more productive No. 9, a new midfielder, and a left-sided defender.
Regarding a new midfielder, an intriguing report from Spain stated the Gunners may try to sign Brahim Diaz and start a new, more offensive formation for the upcoming campaign.
But a lot of the attention this summer has already been on which striker Arteta will choose to start at the front of the team the next year. TEAMtalk was the first to report that Eddie Nketiah, who has three Premier League teams chasing him, has been told he is free to depart this summer in order to raise money and make room in his squad.
They have also considered a number of summer transfer targets, the most expensive of whom being Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres. However, one possible acquisition was thwarted when it became known that Benjamin Sesko had chosen to remain at RB Leipzig.
This development increases the likelihood that a high-profile bid will be made for either Gyokeres or Osimhen, who may fetch between £85 million and £105 million each.
But former Arsenal player Theo Walcott thinks Arteta would be better served looking closer to home, believing a move for Alexander Isak of Newcastle or Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa would make more sense than spending a lot of money on foreign players who have not yet been put to the test in the Premier League.
Walcott told The Sun, “Arsenal did great, they competed throughout the whole season and learned a lot from previous mistakes.”
“I find the environment at Arsenal and what Mikel Arteta has accomplished to be amazing.” A striker would be ideal, as would having that balance on the bench.
That, in my opinion, is the only factor—possibly Mikel lost faith in his bench.
“I’m looking at a Premier League veteran who is akin to an Ollie Watkins or an Alexander Isak.
“We could search overseas, but I really believe in someone with Premier League experience.”
Arsenal would need to spend at least £80 million and most likely close to £100 million on deals involving either striker.
However, Villa star Watkins was nominated for Player of the Year after racking up 27 goals and dishing out 13 assists this season. If the Gunners could land him, he would undoubtedly prove to be a tremendous coup.
Watkins, who was born in Torquay, has always been proud of the Gunners. In 2020, while still a player at Brentford, he acknowledged, “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day.” But as you can see, the chances are slim.
And since Villa’s financial predicament is well known, they would be open to a big offer for the star from Arsenal.
Newcastle finds itself in a similar situation due to FFP regulations, but unlike Watkins, Isak has stated that he is content with his current situation and plans to remain at St James’ Park this summer.
Isak remarked, “I’m having a great time in Newcastle.”
“I recently experienced my greatest career season. That is not something to be taken lightly. Really, I adore everything about the city, the supporters, and the club.
“I actually have no thoughts of a move or anything like that,” Isak continued.
“I am incredibly content with my life and thoroughly enjoy myself.”