Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright made comments about Ollie Watkins in 2021 that have resurfaced following his international exploits.
Ollie Watkins was England’s hero on Wednesday night, as his 90th minute goal against the Netherlands secured the Three Lions’ passage to the final of Euro 2024. The national team will take on Spain in that showdown on Sunday.
Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Watkins in the past. Now, Mikel Arteta is on the hunt for a new striker in this summer transfer window.
However, Watkins is not one of Arsenal’s top targets when it comes to potential acquisitions in this part of the pitch.
It is easy to see what the 28-year-old would bring to the Emirates Stadium, though. The Aston Villa man is quick, offers intelligent movement, and is a clinical finisher. He was in exceptional form for the Midlands outfit last season, as he racked up 27 goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. Watkins has previously been described as “unstoppable.”
Ian Wright has felt for a long time that Watkins would be an ideal fit for the Gunners.
Ian Wright told Arsenal to sign Ollie Watkins years ago
Back in 2021, Wright told Arsenal that Watkins would be a smart signing. Speaking on Match of the Day (01/05/2021), the pundit was discussing Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as potential Arsenal signings.
He said: “You’d probably take Dominic Calvert-Lewin… He’s had a very good season, just like Ollie Watkins. It’s an unfair question because I wouldn’t mind taking them both.”
Watkins has gone from strength to strength as a player in the intervening seasons, whilst persistent injuries have caused Calvert-Lewin’s career to stall at Everton somewhat.
On top of all this, Watkins is believed to be an Arsenal fan, meaning he may well be inclined to make the switch to North London.
Should Arsenal try to sign Watkins this summer?
The 14-cap England international certainly wouldn’t come to the Emirates Stadium cheaply now. Unai Emery will be desperate to keep him at Villa Park, where he is a talismanic figure.
What’s more, given his age, the forward would not now fit with the profile that Arteta tends to target. This, in association with the costs that such a move would entail, means that Arsenal have almost certainly missed their chance to secure Watkins’ services.
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