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Andy Gray has advised Arsenal to make a substantial £100m offer to ‘entice’ Aston Villa to sell star striker Ollie Watkins.
Former Scotland striker Andy Gray, has urged Arsenal to make a stunning £100 million bid to tempt Aston Villa into selling star striker Ollie Watkins. Gray believes that Watkins would be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad and could significantly bolster their attacking options.
Watkins has been in excellent form for Aston Villa, scoring 27 goals last season and helping the club qualify for the Champions League. His consistent performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Arsenal, who are reportedly keen to bring him to the Emirates.
Gray, speaking on beIN Sport, emphasized Watkins’ potential impact: “He’s a better finisher than Kai Havertz, he would score a lot more goals because he knows how to play in that position better than Havertz. In that team, Arsenal create so much so he would get goals.”
Arsenal’s interest in Watkins comes as they seek to address their striking issues, especially after Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending injury. The Gunners have already made an initial £60 million bid for Watkins, which was rejected by Aston Villa. Gray believes that Arsenal should return with an improved offer to secure the England international’s services.
However, Gray also acknowledged the challenge of prying Watkins away from Villa: “I would be amazed if Aston Villa decided, for any money, to part ways with Ollie Watkins. He’s a better finisher than Kai Havertz, he would score a lot more goals because he knows how to play in that position better than Havertz.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly desperate to sign a new striker before the January transfer window closes, and Watkins is seen as the club’s first-choice target. Gray concluded by urging Arsenal to “throw £100 million on the table and see if that tempts them.”
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