Ollie Watkins Euro 2024 heroics show why Arteta must address Arsenal problem position immediately

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Ollie Watkins’ heroics for England at Euro 2024 has just shown Mikel Arteta exactly what his Arsenal side is currently missing. 

It is no secret that Arsenal are on the hunt for a new striker this summer. 

Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in another option to lead the line, despite already having Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah on the books at the Emirates Stadium. 

Arsenal have already tried to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer. However, the RB Leipzig man opted to remain with the German club rather than switch to North London.

Arteta is now considering a number of other striker targets. However, Ollie Watkins’ display for England against the Netherlands on Wednesday night ought to give the Spanish coach an indication of what type of forward he needs to be in the market for.

The Aston Villa man scored a 90th minute winner for the Three Lions in Dortmund, securing Gareth Southgate’s side’s place in the final of the tournament against Spain on Sunday. He did so by using his pace to run in behind the defence, before unleashing a precise finish into the bottom corner. 

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Why Ollie Watkins is exactly the kind of striker Arsenal now need

Watkins is a pure goalscorer. Whilst he can involve himself in the build up play, he is at his best in the box and using his speed to stretch defences.

It was due to these attributes that Arsenal legend Ian Wright was keen to see Watkins play ahead of Ivan Toney in this match. Of course, Arsenal have been heavily linked with Toney. 

In Havertz, though, the Gunners already have a target man. Meanwhile, Jesus has the ability to dazzle and can bring a lot to the team’s build up play. Both players’ finishing is inconsistent at best, though. 

Nketiah looks likely to leave the club this summer, as he is simply not of the standard required. 

When it comes to the type of striker Arsenal need, Watkins has to be the model. Arteta has all other bases covered when it comes to the skillset in his strikeforce, except for a clinical goalscorer who will hold his position at the top if the pitch, consistently run in behind the opposition defence, and reliably bury chances that come his way.

Arsenal were urged to sign Watkins himself back in 2021. The England ace would likely be too difficult to prise away from Aston Villa now, but a player in his mould is exactly what the Gunners require.