‘Would be perfect’: Emmanuel Petit urges Arsenal to sign 27-goal striker this month

The London giants are determined to go all the way next season, and Petit believes that securing a striker should be the club’s top priority before the transfer deadline.

The former France international also said Arsenal need a player who is strong in the air and can offer physical presence. He feels the Gunners’ play has become too predictable.

Petit additionally mentioned that he is a big fan of Watkins and thinks he would be an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s current tactical setup.

In a recent interview, he said: “Signing a striker should be Arsenal’s top priority in the transfer window. They need someone who is strong in the air and can also be physically imposing.

“It’s important to have various options, and with Arsenal, their attacking play can be too predictable.

“With the number of crosses they put into the box, they need to find someone who can score with headers. That’s an area of their attack that needs improvement.

“There are a few players on the market who meet these criteria. I’m a big fan of Ollie Watkins. I love him! He’s physically strong, has the speed to get behind defenders.

“He’s capable of battling two defenders consistently and can hold up the ball. I think he would be perfect for the style of football that Arsenal play.

“He has the ability to play in one-on-one combinations, and I think he would fit seamlessly into Arsenal’s team and system.”

Watkins had an exceptional 2023/24 season under Unai Emery, scoring an impressive 27 goals and providing 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.

One of those goals was in a 2-0 victory over Arsenal earlier this year. It was the Gunners’ only league loss of the year, but it proved costly in their title chase.

The Englishman has developed into one of the Premier League’s top strikers, and signing him would undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s chances of winning the English title.

However, a deal seems unlikely in the current transfer window. Villa have just qualified for the Champions League after four decades and have no reason to sell.

Watkins is also content with his situation at the Midlands club, and they are unlikely to weaken their top-four/five ambitions by letting the 28-year-old leave.