Aston Villa told to sign Ollie Watkins ally with breakthrough close – pundit
Kevin Campbell has warned Aston Villa against relying on young striker targets Rory Wilson and Sonny Perkins as they are “not Premier League ready”.
The former Arsenal hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Steven Gerrard’s side need to add a “recognised striker” to provide cover for Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (7 June) that Aston Villa pushing hard to lure Rangers sensation Wilson, 16, and are close to securing a breakthrough after extensive talks.
Meanwhile, The Guardian claim (9 June) Villa are battling Leeds United and Tottenham for the signing of West Ham youngster Perkins, 18.
Watkins and Ings scored a combined 18 Premier League goals during the 2021-22 season as Aston Villa finished 14th.
Campbell insisted more cover is needed if Gerrard is to persevere with a two-striker system in the 2022-23 campaign.
When asked if Perkins and Wilson could be the answer to Villa’s problems, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think that’s the route to go down.
“If you look at Ings and Watkins – you want someone to be ready to step in if there’s an injury.
“Young players around this age, 16 to 18 – they aren’t Premier League ready. Maybe in the long-term, they will come good – but all it needs is one or two injuries and they could struggle.
“They need to hit the ground running this season, that’s for sure.
“If they’re going to play two up front then they definitely need another recognised striker.”
Aston Villa’s striking options could be bolstered by the return of Cameron Archer if he remains at the club past the summer window.
The 20-year-old netted seven goals in 20 appearances on loan at Championship side Preston in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.
In other news, pundit claims Tyrone Mings and Aston Villa teammate may be sold after £26m deal is done.