Mikel Arteta Eyes Ollie Watkins as Priority Striking Option Amid Setbacks in Pursuits of Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres, as Arsenal Search for Final Piece in Attack
Arsenal’s ambitious summer transfer plans have taken yet another unexpected turn. With the club’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres now hitting seemingly insurmountable barriers, manager Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are shifting their gaze firmly back towards Aston Villa’s prolific striker Ollie Watkins. Once viewed as a backup plan, Watkins is now emerging as a genuine priority as the Gunners scramble to secure the final piece of their attacking puzzle before the start of the new Premier League season.
Arsenal’s need for a top-class No. 9 has been no secret. While the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have performed admirably at times, questions persist about whether they have the consistency, physicality, and clinical edge required to fire Arsenal to a Premier League title. With Kai Havertz having been deployed as a false nine in numerous matches last season, it became clear that Arteta was improvising in a role that needed a more defined, lethal presence. Hence, the club’s aggressive moves to secure a marquee striker in this summer window were to be expected. But as is often the case in high-stakes football negotiations, nothing has gone entirely to plan.
Initially, Arsenal set their sights on Benjamin Šeško, the 21-year-old Slovenian striker at RB Leipzig who enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga. Tall, strong, technically gifted, and with a hunger for goals, Šeško was seen by many at the Emirates as a long-term solution. The club reportedly triggered his release clause of around £55 million and were confident of beating other interested parties, including Manchester United and Chelsea. However, talks broke down abruptly over wage demands that the player’s camp insisted upon. Arsenal were unwilling to shatter their wage structure for a relatively unproven talent, and Šeško himself was hesitant about moving unless guaranteed a starting role—something Arteta could not offer without fierce internal competition.
Simultaneously, the Gunners were also in advanced scouting mode for Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting CP’s Swedish sensation who bagged 43 goals and assists in all competitions last season. At one point, Arsenal looked poised to bid near €85 million for the 26-year-old striker, having monitored his progress since his Coventry City days in the Championship. But the deal hit a wall when Sporting refused to negotiate below the full release clause, and Gyökeres—although reportedly open to the move—was reluctant to force a transfer that could sour his standing with the Portuguese club. Arsenal’s two formal offers were rejected, and despite months of interest, the club eventually cooled their pursuit.
These setbacks have forced Arsenal to reassess. And in doing so, they’ve turned their attention back to a familiar name: Ollie Watkins. The 28-year-old Aston Villa striker has been on Arsenal’s radar for several transfer windows now. In January, the Gunners reportedly made an approach for Watkins, but Villa were quick to rebuff it. Manager Unai Emery was adamant that the player was untouchable, and Watkins himself appeared content at Villa Park, where he had just signed a new long-term contract and was leading the line for a side chasing Champions League qualification.
But with circumstances changing rapidly in football, what was off-limits in January could be reconsidered in the summer. Arsenal believe that with the right offer—likely upwards of £75 million—they could tempt Villa into talks. Sources close to the club have indicated that initial informal contact has already been made with Watkins’ representatives, who have not dismissed the idea out of hand. While the striker is publicly loyal to Villa, there’s a sense that he could be tempted by the opportunity to lead the line at a club regularly competing for the Premier League and in the Champions League.
For Mikel Arteta, Watkins represents a unique blend of Premier League experience, athleticism, and positional intelligence. Unlike Šeško or Gyökeres, Watkins has already proven himself in the English top flight, with back-to-back double-digit goal returns since joining Villa from Brentford. His work rate, pressing ability, and link-up play are attributes that fit seamlessly into Arteta’s tactical system. Moreover, Watkins’ ability to stretch defenses with his runs in behind and his increasing composure in front of goal make him a versatile option—capable of starting centrally or even drifting into wider areas when needed.
Arteta has long admired Watkins’ attitude and professionalism. Sources within Arsenal’s training staff point to internal scouting reports that describe him as a “relentless runner,” a “coach’s dream,” and someone who “never hides in big moments.” The Spaniard sees Watkins not just as a short-term solution but as a player entering his prime and capable of delivering elite performances over the next three to four years. In a team full of young stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice, Watkins could bring a stabilizing, experienced presence.
Villa, however, remain a tough nut to crack. Their recent qualification for the Champions League gives them leverage, and Emery has been publicly clear that Watkins is central to his long-term plans. The player has become a talismanic figure at the club, adored by fans and respected by teammates. Any potential move would therefore require not just a significant transfer fee, but also a convincing sporting project that aligns with the striker’s ambitions.
Still, the dynamics of the transfer window are unpredictable. Should Villa identify a suitable replacement—or should Watkins himself be persuaded that Arsenal offers a step up in his career trajectory—the situation could change rapidly. Arsenal, for their part, are not limiting their options. They continue to monitor other striker profiles, including Santiago Giménez of Feyenoord and Ajax’s Brian Brobbey, although neither is currently viewed as a priority over Watkins.
The sense inside Arsenal is one of cautious urgency. Pre-season begins in a few weeks, and Arteta is determined to have his squad settled early. The club’s decision-makers—sporting director Edu Gaspar and newly appointed director of football Andrea Berta—are under pressure to deliver, especially after back-to-back seasons in which Arsenal have finished runners-up in the league. Ownership has given the green light for another round of significant spending, and with Thomas Partey and Eddie Nketiah expected to be sold, there will be funds and room available for a marquee striker.
For the fans, Watkins would be a welcome addition—if not the dream signing, then certainly a respected and proven one. On social media, many Arsenal supporters have voiced support for the move, citing Watkins’ consistency, growth, and maturity. Others, however, question the reported price tag and argue that the club should aim for a younger forward with greater resale value. It’s a delicate balancing act for Arsenal, one that reflects the tension between immediate competitiveness and long-term planning.
Internally, the coaching staff believe that Watkins could thrive with the creative support around him at Arsenal. With Saka, Ødegaard, and Leandro Trossard feeding him, and Rice offering midfield balance, Watkins could flourish in ways he hasn’t at Villa. Arteta is also reportedly planning to tweak his system slightly to allow for more direct transitions—another reason Watkins’ pace and vertical movement make him such an attractive prospect.
As it stands, no formal bid has been lodged with Villa, but that could change swiftly. Arsenal are expected to accelerate their striker search by the start of July, and Watkins’ name is at the top of the list. The club has learned from last summer, when they hesitated in the market and missed out on key targets. This time, they intend to be proactive.
In many ways, Watkins embodies the type of signing that Arsenal fans have grown to appreciate under Arteta: hard-working, adaptable, and hungry to prove himself at the highest level. He may not have the same continental flair as Gyökeres or the wonderkid aura of Šeško, but he brings a grounded, battle-tested quality that could be exactly what Arsenal need to finally bridge the gap with Manchester City.
The coming weeks will be pivotal. Villa are playing hardball, but Arsenal are persistent. Mikel Arteta has made it clear that this is not just another summer of promises—it’s one of action. If Ollie Watkins is indeed the final piece of Arsenal’s attacking puzzle, then all eyes will be on North London to see if the Gunners can seal a deal that could define their season, and perhaps their title ambitions.
Only time will tell if this bold shift in direction brings the rewards Arsenal are hoping for. But one thing is certain: Mikel Arteta is not leaving any stone unturned in his pursuit of glory. Whether it’s Šeško, Gyökeres, or Watkins, Arsenal’s intent is unmistakable—they want the best, and they want it now.
