‘Ollie Watkins hands Arsenal major transfer boost amid Gyokeres setback’
Arsenal have been handed a potential boost by Ollie Watkins as they look to boost their forward line in the transfer market this summer.
The Gunners are actively in the market for a new striker after another trophyless campaign once again highlighted their need for a clinical number nine.
Kai Havertz failed to hit double figures in the Premier League last season, while Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL tear back in January.
Manager Mikel Arteta was forced to rely on midfielder Mikel Merino up front in the latter stages of the campaign as the need for a more recognised number nine again became evident.
Arteta is set to be backed this summer in the transfer market but the pressure is on the Spaniard and the Gunners hierarchy to sign the right player.
Watkins is an alternative target for Arsenal
The Daily Mirror (16 June) have suggested that Arsenal are keeping their options open in the transfer market, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist alongside Watkins.
Gyokeres, though, has been in dispute with Sporting president Frederico Varandas over the price the club are willing to sell the Swedish international.
Sporting CP deny their is a “gentleman’s agreement” with Gyokeres to allow the 27-year-old to leave for less than his £85million release clause, amid interest from fellow Premier League club Manchester United.
Football Insider was recently told that an Arsenal deal for Sesko is at an advanced stage suggesting the Gunners prefer a move for the Slovenian international.
Villa striker Watkins is also an option, with the 29-year-old a proven goal scorer in the Premier League and the Mirror report says he is keen on moving to the Emirates after a £50m bid was rejected in January.
Arteta decision crucial for title hopes
Football Insider verdict
Despite Watkins’ desire to move to Arsenal, the Gunners are working hard to sign one of either Gyokeres or Sesko.
Watkins scored 17 goals last season and would be an asset for any side chasing a Premier League title, but the goalscoring prowess of Gyokeres and the potential of Sesko are hard to ignore.
Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, whilst Sesko scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga last season including four in eight appearances in the Champions League.
The pressure is on Arteta to win a trophy next season and this decision could be crucial for their hopes of a first Premier League title since 2003/2004.
Arteta needs to ensure that whoever he decides to sign hits the ground running immediately, but the Gunners will welcome Havertz back to the squad after a hamstring injury kept him out for four months earlier this year.
Havertz is unlikely to score 20 goals a season, but his contribution could still be crucial for Arsenal.