Arsenal reportedly want £28m star that once admitted he was a Gunners fan

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Arsenal have reprtedly shortlisted Villa ace Ollie Watkins as Mikel Arteta looks for a striker – and he has admitted it is a “dream” to play for Arsenal.

Watkins, 25, is a target after scoring 14 Premier League goals and laying on five assists last season. This season, he only got off the mark on Sunday.

But Arsenal need a striker. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract next summer, with both looking more and more likely to go.

So, Arsenal need another option up top and Watkins – as well as Everton’s Dom Calvert-Lewin – are targets, as per The Sun. Watkins will be tempted.

That is because Watkins said, back in 2020 before his £28million (Athletic) move to Villa, that it is a dream of his to play for Arsenal in his career.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot,” Watkins told the Shields Gazette, in March 2020 while at Brentford.

Arsenal eye Watkins: Villa star would be a huge signing for Gunners

Watkins would be a sensational signing for Villa. A simply brilliant signing, but he could end up being near a club-record signing for the Gunners.

The ex-Brentford man cost Villa the best part of £30million. He has since then, proved he can score goals in the Premier League on a regular basis.

Watkins has also become an England international, called-up for the latest fixtures against Andorra and Hungary this month.

He is worth double what Villa paid, if not more. So, if Arsenal are going to go in for Watkins – they may end up paying a near club-record fee.

Is he worth £60million? Or would it be best to just hand Alexandre Lacazette another year? A tricky one for Arteta.