The transfer window may have only recently concluded, but it has quickly reopened, suggesting a potentially busy period ahead for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta`s side is undoubtedly among the Premier League`s best, yet securing a third consecutive second-place finish highlights a shortfall compared to their rivals: goals.
Although Arsenal boasted the league`s strongest defense last season, both Liverpool and Manchester City managed to score more goals.
Consequently, while recruiting new wide players would be beneficial, it`s clear that Arsenal`s primary need is a new prolific central forward. While Viktor Gyokeres has been widely linked with the club, reports indicate another striker is now eager to make the move to North London.
Arsenal`s Striker Search
Gyokeres has long been rumoured as a target for Arsenal, with initial links appearing last summer and resurfacing intermittently during the winter transfer window.
However, speculation recently gained momentum, with some reports even suggesting Arsenal were preparing to submit a bid for the former Coventry City standout.
Nevertheless, it now appears that Sporting CP is unwilling to sell Gyokeres for the £59m fee that his representatives reportedly expected. This development could prompt the Gunners to focus on more accessible alternatives, such as Ollie Watkins.
According to a recent report from the Mirror, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Aston Villa star, which first surfaced earlier this year.
The report claims the former Exeter City talent remains on Arsenal`s list of targets, and the player himself is reportedly very keen on joining the club he supported in his youth.
While the Mirror story doesn`t specify a potential price tag, other reports from late last week suggest the English international could cost up to £40m. This figure could represent good value and strengthens the case for him being an excellent alternative to Gyokeres.
Why Watkins is an Ideal Alternative to Gyokeres
Beyond the significant difference in potential transfer fees, there are other strong reasons why Watkins would be a great alternative to Gyokeres, notably their respective levels of experience.
For instance, while the Swedish forward has been incredibly prolific this season, scoring an impressive 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 games, he possesses very little experience playing in a truly top-level league.
Despite featuring in eight Champions League and nine Europa League matches, the former Coventry City star has never competed in one of Europe`s traditional top five leagues. Furthermore, research from Opta Analyst currently ranks the Portuguese top-flight only 11th globally, placing it behind leagues such as the Belgian Pro League and the English Championship.
Moreover, if that wasn`t enough to temper expectations regarding the 27-year-old`s statistics, the fact that 11 out of the 18 teams in the Portuguese league are reportedly considered to be of a standard comparable to England`s League One might.
In stark contrast, the English international, described as `world-class` by journalist Jack Grimse, has spent the last five years competing in the Premier League, arguably the world`s toughest football competition. Throughout this period, he has consistently proven to be a dangerous and reliable attacking option for Aston Villa.
| Season | 23/24 | 24/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 53 | 54 |
| Minutes | 4323` | 3578` |
| Goals | 27 | 17 |
| Assists | 15 | 14 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.79 | 0.57 |
| Minutes per Goal Involvement | 102.92` | 115.41` |
| All Stats via Transfermarkt | ||
For example, the forward from Torquay contributed to 42 goals in 53 appearances last season and followed that with 31 contributions in 54 games this year. This level of consistent high output is precisely what could propel Arsenal towards success.
Furthermore, while the 29-year-old`s established Premier League record means fans know exactly what he offers, it also implies minimal need for an adaptation period. He could integrate immediately, hitting the ground running and significantly boosting Arsenal`s attack, whereas the Sporting player might require several months to adjust to the league`s demands.
Ultimately, the combination of his potentially lower price tag, proven track record, and valuable Premier League experience collectively positions Watkins as an excellent alternative to Gyokeres for Arsenal this summer.
