Arsenal have added Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins to their shortlist of strikers ahead of the January transfer window.
Mikel Arteta wants to sign an additional centre-forward in the winter window and Watkins has emerged as an option for the Gunners.
Arsenal are also understood to hold an interest in Brentford’s Ivan Toney, though Football Transfers are reporting that the club’s preference would be to sign Watkins, given he would arrive ‘game-ready’ with Toney currently serving an eight-month suspension for breaching the FA’s gambling rules.
Watkins is a self-professed Arsenal fan, but a deal would prove difficult given Aston Villa are keen to tie the centre-forward down to a new contract. However, Arsenal sporting director, Edu, has opened talks with Watkins’ representatives in a bid to gauge whether a deal can be done.
The 27-year-old has scored 41 goals in 115 Premier League appearances since signing for Aston Villa from Brentford in a then-club record deal in 2020.
Arsenal could face competition for the England international from Chelsea, who are also said to be considering an approach for Watkins, who scored 15 goals in the Premier League last season.
