Manchester United and Arsenal are both in the market to sign a new striker this summer.
The Gunners have been linked with several big names, but it looks like Andrea Berta is closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
The Swede is an excellent signing for Mikel Arteta’s side, and he could make a big difference in their push to win the Premier League title in the upcoming campaign.
As for Manchester United, one of Arsenal’s old targets could become an option for them in the coming days.
Ollie Watkins is up there with the best strikers in the Premier League.
The Englishman doesn’t quite get the plaudits that the likes of Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak do, but on his day, Watkins is ‘unplayable‘.
Arsenal tried to sign Watkins in the January transfer window, but Aston Villa priced him out of a move. The striker was on the Gunners’ radar in this window as well, but he was behind both Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko on their wish list.
TBR Football revealed that Watkins would’ve loved to sign for Arsenal if that opportunity had come up, but unfortunately for him, it didn’t.
Now, with Manchester United linked with a move to sign him, GiveMeSport have claimed that Watkins is open to a move to Old Trafford if they make an offer for him.
It is unclear at this stage how much Villa will demand for their star striker, but the report claims that any deal will cost in excess of £50 million.
It remains to be seen if United would be willing to fork out such a fee for a player who will turn 30 at the end of this year.
Manchester United will not be in Europe next season, so attracting the best strikers in the world will not be easy.
Gyokeres snubbed Manchester United for Arsenal, which is a shame as he would’ve been a fine signing for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Watkins, who will soon turn 30, is not an ideal option when you look at his age, but we think he is exactly what the Red Devils need right now.
United can’t sign someone like Rasmus Hojlund and wait for him to come good again — they need someone to come in and hit the ground running.
Watkins, who has consistently been excellent for Aston Villa, is exactly that player, and the fact that he is ready to join Manchester United is a big positive as well.
