Ian Wright’s comments about Arsenal signing Ollie Watkins in 2021 are now very interesting

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In the past, Ollie Watkins has made it clear that he grew up supporting Arsenal, saying it would be a ‘dream’ to play for the Gunners one day.

Those comments came back in 2020 at the London Football Awards, when Watkins was playing for Brentford and was soon to join Aston Villa. 

At the time, it would appear that Arsenal weren’t interested in a move, perhaps aware that the Englishman still needed to make significant progress before he’d be ready to help Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal had both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up front too – there was no reason for them to buy a striker.

And yet, the club may now regret their decision not to take a gamble on Watkins, who just enjoyed the crowning moment of his career against the Netherlands.

Watkins’ 90th minute winner for England on Wednesday evening was truly special, a strike befitting of a striker who trusts his instincts in front of goal.

And although Arsenal now feel lucky to have Kai Havertz up top, they don’t have a goal-scorer like Watkins, who netted 19 Premier League goals last season.

Ian Wright told Arsenal to sign Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in 2021

That being said, Arsenal likely wouldn’t be able to afford 28-year-old Watkins now given Villa would probably demand a bigger fee than that they paid to sign Declan Rice.

Unai Emery would dig in his heels, and rightly so.

Of course, if Ian Wright had his way, Watkins may already be an Arsenal player.

As when speaking on Match of the Day back in 2021, Wright declared that Arsenal should sign Watkins, along with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Interestingly, it seems as if Wright was leaning towards the Everton striker out of the two – who’s potential has since been ravaged by injuries.

Choosing out of the two, Wright said: “You’d probably take Dominic Calvert-Lewin simply because of his experience at under-21 level and the fact he’s had a very good season, just like Ollie Watkins.

“It’s an unfair question because I wouldn’t mind taking them both.”

Of course, it’s clear that Watkins would be the preferred candidate of the two were Arsenal lucky enough to have such an opportunity today.

But perhaps Watkins’ historic cameo last night could prove as a further reminder to Arteta that Arsenal need to add goals this summer.

Gabriel Jesus is an exceptional footballer, but he’s not the goal-scorer that Arsenal need to dovetail with Havertz.

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