
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ollie Watkins (Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside)
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa has been heavily linked to a move to Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta, the manager of the Gunners, maintains that the team is making every effort to expand its roster.
As Arsenal looks to add a new striker before the transfer window closes, Mikel Arteta maintains his faith in the Gunners’ recruitment staff.
The Gunners have been looking for a new attacking option for the past month, but they still need to add someone this winter before Monday night’s transfer deadline.
With Gabriel Jesus suffering a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury and Bukayo Saka still out due to a serious hamstring issue, the Gunners now need more firepower. In the final days of the transfer window, they have been linked to a move for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
Ahead of Sunday’s match against Manchester City, Arteta stated that people at the Emirates Stadium’s corridors of power are still making every effort to make the best decisions, but he would not speculate about a specific move for Watkins.
“I’m very confident with the work the club is doing and we are exploring every single opportunity,” he stated. “Everything we can is being tried.
“Our goal is to aid the team and encourage the squad so they can improve and have a successful season finale. We’re working hard to do that.”

Mikel Arteta wants to add a forward to his squad ( Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
When asked if a younger player or an experienced forward like 29-year-old England international Watkins would be better for his team, Arteta responded that he doesn’t consider age when making new hires.
“We don’t really look at the market in those terms,” he stated. “We assess our team’s strengths, weaknesses, and possible additions to see who can improve us the most.
“Regardless of age or the background they have is a real belief that a player can be really good for us.”
The Spanish international missed the midweek Champions League trip to Girona, thus Arteta added that the Gunners are uncertain about custodian David Raya’s health before of their match against City.
Arteta said, “David, we’re still not sure.” “Tomorrow is our next session. We’ll have to see because we just have 48 hours.”