Arsenal ‘looking’ at potential January transfer deal for in-form Premier League striker - and it’s not Ivan Toney

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The Gunners could launch a swoop for the fellow Premier League man in the January transfer window.

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Mikel Arteta is ‘looking’ at a potential move for the 27-year-old. His side are currently top of the table alongside rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal could see Watkins as someone to provide more competition and depth to their options up top. He has scored seven goals in 11 games so far this season.

He scored the winner for England in their recent 1-0 win over Australia at Wembley. Speaking afterwards, the Torquay-born man hailed the influence that ex-Gunners manager Unai Emery is having on his career: “He’s filled me with a lot of confidence. I’ve definitely improved in these last 18 months since I was last in the England camp.

“I think it shows in my form and my performance here so I’m really happy and I’m delighted to be back in the squad and putting on an England shirt. ‘I envisioned it all (playing and scoring against Australia). I was itching to get on the pitch so I’m delighted I got my goal and it helped the team to win.”

Watkins also gave an insight into what his strengths are: “My strengths are running in behind and stretching them so I can only do what I can do. When I put on the shirt I’ll try and do the best I can for my country and then it is the manager’s decision.”

Aston Villa signed him back in 2020 from Brentford and he has since become one of their most prized assets at the top end of the pitch. The Arsenal-linked man has chipped in with 50 goals in 127 outings in all competitions for the Midlands outfit.