Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran: Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says, ‘Maybe we have to sell some players’

It is no secret that the Gunners are in need of a striker.

Gabriel Jesus is out with an injury while their highest scoring player is Kai Havertz, who has been converted into being an out-and-out forward since joining the Gunners and has done a commendable job in that role.

However, his tally of eight goals is only the joint-12th highest in the Premier League this season.

The Gunners did bring in Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in the summer. The forward hit 20 Premier League goals in 2019-20 for Manchester City but his goal return has mostly got lower since then and he is yet to score in eight appearances this term.

Indeed, Arsenal have not had a striker who has scored 20 goals or more in the Premier League since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019-20.

Watkins hasn’t been at his scoring best this season and only has two more Premier League goals than Havertz this season, but he has consistently hit double figures since joining Villa.

As well as scoring, Watkins also provides a healthy amount of assists and, since joining Villa in 2019-20 he is just one of three players to have managed 100 goal involvements or more in the Premier League.

After Wednesday’s Champions League win against Girona, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would not be drawn on potential transfers, but said: “My confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve. Let’s see what happens.”

In Arsenal’s favour is that Watkins is a boyhood Gunners fan and has said previously that it would be his “dream” to play for the club one day.

Speaking to the Sports Gazette at the 2020 London Football Awards,, external he said: “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot.

“I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he’s unbelievable to watch.”

Former Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock told BBC Match of the Day: “Money talks. If Arsenal up their bid, you might see some wheeling and dealing.

“I don’t think you would want to lose Watkins. He is the focal point of attack. But are you going to get that money again for a 29-year-old?

“That’s a business decision then and that’s when it becomes difficult. PSR has changed everything. It is a bigger decision now.”

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