Report: Arteta still an admirer of Ollie Watkins as Arsenal target striker

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Mikel Arteta remains a fan of Ollie Watkins, but the Daily Mirror suggests that Gabriel Jesus is still the most likely striker to move to Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners have received a boost in their push to put together their forward line for next season. Reports claimed Eddie Nketiah is set to stay at the Emirates and sign a new contract.

Interestingly, reports in Spain on Thursday suggested that Arsenal are very close to signing Alvaro Morata.

That is a surprise. It seems that Jesus is the Gunners’ top target. It has previously been suggested that Arsenal have all but agreed personal terms with the Manchester City star.

The Daily Mirror has reported that Jesus is indeed the striker most likely to join Arsenal. However, it is also noted that Arsenal are interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

And it is also mentioned Arteta remains an admirer of Watkins. Reports suggested before the turn of the year that Arsenal wanted the Aston Villa star. And it seems that he remains on their radar.

Arteta remains an admirer of Watkins

The 26-year-old ended the Premier League campaign with 11 goals. He is an ‘outstanding‘ player who can play almost anywhere in the forward line.

Watkins has previously spoken of being a boyhood Arsenal fan. He even suggested that it was his dream to play for the Gunners at some stage in his career. Unsurprisingly, the England international idolised Thierry Henry growing up.

But Villa are unlikely to let him go on the cheap. The Villans broke their club record to sign him. They spent an initial £28 million, while the fee could rise to £33 million.

Steven Gerrard’s men have not had the best year. But Watkins finished as their top goalscorer. So Villa will be wary of losing him.

It will be interesting to see what happens should Arsenal now fail to agree a deal for Jesus.