Arsenal show transfer intent as shock Ollie Watkins move proves major point | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta clearly believes there is still plenty left for the Gunners to play for this season

Mikel Arteta has remained clear in his belief that Arsenal can achieve something special this season, but actions speak louder than words.

There would be no adaption needed for a player that finished last season with 32 goals and assists combined in the Premier League, which was the same number as Erling Haaland.

At 29, Watkins is also not getting any younger and the onus would be on him to have an immediate impact. That would suggest Arsenal still feel there is plenty on the line this season.

The Gunners are six points off Premier League leaders Liverpool going into this weekend’s huge clash with Manchester City, while on Wednesday they booked a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Arsenal are still in the Carabao Cup too, although they head to St James’ Park on Wednesday for the second leg of their semi-final tie against Newcastle needing to overturn a two-goal deficit.

The alternative to targeting a player like Watkins would be bringing in a loan signing or a young forward who has room to develop.

The final six months of this campaign could act as an ideal adaption period for a young player before they hit the ground running next season.

A move for Watkins suggests that is not Arsenal’s preferred strategy, though, and after weeks of waiting they have finally shown the market their hand with days left in the window.

It has been clear all month that the club want to sign a forward but, until this approach for Watkins was made public, it had been unclear in what form.

The challenge for Arsenal is that a move for Watkins is looking increasingly difficult to do before Monday’s transfer deadline.

A move for Watkins is looking increasingly difficult to do before Monday’s transfer deadline

Villa do not want to lose both Watkins and Jhon Duran in the same window, with the latter closing in on a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

If Duran completes that switch, it will have a negative impact on Arsenal’s hopes of getting Watkins.

“I don’t want [him to leave],” Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said on Wednesday night. “Watkins is our striker.”

Should Arsenal be unsuccessful in their pursuit of Watkins, it will be intriguing to see where they turn with so little time left in the window.

The club have, historically, shown a willingness not to panic buy when stretched and they famously let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave for Barcelona three years ago without bringing in a replacement.

Arsenal would be taking a major risk allowing history to repeat itself, as they are so short on options in attack.

Kai Havertz is their only recognised striker and he was given a rare night off on Wednesday during the win in Girona, with Leandro Trossard starting ahead of him.

Trossard can play as a No9, and he did a solid job in midweek, but it only decreases Arteta’s options out wide.

And, if Arteta really does believe there is still plenty to play for this season, then he needs reinforcements before Monday night.