What Mikel Arteta has already said about Ollie Watkins is now very interesting after £60m bid

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has become a surprise target for Arsenal in the final days of the transfer window.

The Gunners have been working hard to sign a new number nine since the window opened in January, but there was hardly any movement in the first 28 days.

However, on day 29, Arsenal tabled a £60 million bid to sign Watkins from Aston Villa, but that offer was rejected by Unai Emery’s side.

Arsenal are expected to make another bid for Watkins, and Mikel Arteta’s previous comments about the England striker explains why he’s so keen to sign him.

What Mikel Arteta has said about Arsenal target Ollie Watkins

Watkins has been in the Premier League since he joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020.

The Englishman has been an incredible player for the Villans over the years. He has come up with some great moments for the Three Lions too.

Watkins has earned praise from several big names in the game in the last few seasons, including Arsenal manager Arteta.

Ahead of a game against Aston Villa in December 2023, Arteta was asked about Watkins.

The Spaniard replied, as per Arsenal.com: ” He’s been tremendously consistent over the last few years and he’s a real threat.”

When asked how he can be stopped, he said: “Just like with other strikers, don’t give him the ball in the box! That’s his main quality.”

READ MORE: Inside the life of Ollie Watkins, the Arsenal fan who became a striker transfer target

Arteta has already explained what Watkins will bring to Arsenal

Watkins has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists so far this season. He managed 27 goals and 13 assists in the 2023/24 campaign.

The 27-year-old is a terrific player, and Arteta has already highlighted his ‘main quality’ – his ability inside the opponent’s box.

Arsenal have excellent players in their squad, but apart from Bukayo Saka and perhaps Leandro Trossard, nobody has that killer instinct in the penalty area.

That is exactly what the Gunners need right now, and the move for Watkins makes a lot of sense on that front – even though he is 29 already.

We don’t know if Aston Villa will sanction a move this late in the window, but if Arsenal can pull it off, it could make a huge difference in the title race.