Arsenal have reportedly been handed a green light from Aston Villa and Unai Emery to sign striker Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners advanced into the semi-finals of the Champions League when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final clash, progressing after winning 5-1 on aggregate.
Midfielder Mikel Merino was once again used as the team's centre-forward, and the Spaniard performed admirably in attack, registering two assists in the second leg.
Kai Havertz has predominantly been used by Mikel Arteta in the number nine position, but the German has faced criticism for his displays in front of goal this term.
The Daily Mail claims that Aston Villa striker Watkins could be on his way to Emirates given his side have reduced his game time, but they add that any deal would be dependent on signing Marcus Rashford permanently.
© Imago
Is Watkins the answer for Arsenal?
Watkins's arrival in London would almost certainly not be the long-term solution to the club's issues in attack given he is already 29 years old.
The Englishman has so far scored 14 goals in the Premier League this campaign, and though his total is five fewer than he managed in 2023-24, his return of 0.58 goals per 90 is slightly more than the figure he produced last season (0.53).
Arsenal had a bid in the region of £40m in the January transfer window for the striker turned down, with the Gunners holding a strong interest in his signature.
One of Watkins's biggest strengths is his ability to make runs beyond the last line of defence, stretching the opponents' backline and creating space for teammates such as creator Morgan Rogers.
If Arteta was to bring the forward to the Emirates, it would not be surprising to see Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice make more central runs and take advantage of the havoc caused by Watkins.
Watkins is also comfortable operating in wide zones on the left, so perhaps left-winger Gabriel Martinelli could also benefit should the striker drift left and open up gaps in and around the penalty area.
Lewis Nolan
