Arsenal are prepared to move for striker Ollie Watkins this summer amid suggestions Aston Villa need to raise funds, according to reports.
The Gunners finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season, and a fourth second-placed finish would be unpalatable to boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard has faced scrutiny for his failure to bring major silverware to the Emirates since he won the FA Cup in 2020, and he will be keen to strengthen in the summer to end the club's trophy drought.
Many supporters have bemoaned the team's lack of offensive firepower, with striker Kai Havertz frequently criticised for his limited impact in the final third.
The German forward could soon be replaced by Watkins if reports from Football Insider are to believed as they claim that Arsenal are prepared to take advantage of Villa's failure to qualify for the Champions League and bring the Englishman to the Emirates.
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Watkins in profile
Villa boss Unai Emery has at times used Marcus Rashford up front in place of Watkins, but he has still managed to score 16 goals in the top flight, the third consecutive season in which he has netted at least 15 times.
The Englishman is at his best when passes are played in behind opposition defences, with his threat during counter-attacks helping his side advance up the pitch.
While Watkins is already 29 years old, signing him could be advantageous considering he has repeatedly proven himself as a high-calibre striker in the Premier League unlike other reported targets such as Benjamin Sesko.
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Would Watkins fit in at Arsenal?
Watkins prefers to operate in the left channel, and his movement could help create central space for left-winger Gabriel Martinelli to attack.
Martinelli has at times struggled when isolated out wide, so perhaps the Brazilian's output would increase if he was allowed to occupy the areas that Watkins vacates.
Talisman Bukayo Saka may also benefit from playing alongside Watkins as the Villa striker is energetic and mobile, and his movement could give the right-winger a target to aim towards in the penalty area.
Lewis Nolan
