Why Mikael Silvestre Prefers Ollie Watkins over Ivan Toney for Arsenal
Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has expressed his preference for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins over Brentford star Ivan Toney as a potential signing for his old club. Silvestre believes that Watkins would be a more attractive option for Arsenal, despite Toney’s impressive performances in recent seasons.
Toney, who is set to leave Brentford in the January transfer window, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most potent strikers. He has been identified by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as the club’s number one target, despite his hefty price tag of £80 million. However, Silvestre disagrees with this assessment and believes that Watkins would be a better fit for the North London club.
Watkins, who is the same age as Toney, has been in fine form for Aston Villa this season. He has registered eight goal involvements in eight Premier League appearances, showcasing his ability to make an impact in front of goal. Silvestre argues that signing Watkins would provide Arsenal with a valuable third striking option and add healthy competition within the squad.
Silvestre acknowledges that Arsenal could potentially play a high number of games this season and believes that having quality depth in the squad is crucial. He suggests that Watkins would provide the necessary competition and quality that Arsenal needs to succeed.
Watkins recently signed a new five-year deal with Aston Villa, committing his future to the club until 2028. Since joining Villa from Brentford three years ago, he has scored 50 goals and provided 17 assists in 129 games. His consistent performances and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive prospect for any club in need of a striker.
While Toney’s ban for breaching betting regulations may raise concerns for some clubs, it is unclear whether this played a role in Silvestre’s preference for Watkins. Regardless, Silvestre’s opinion adds an interesting perspective to the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding Arsenal.
As Arsenal continues to search for attacking reinforcements, the debate between Watkins and Toney will likely intensify. Both players have proven themselves in the Premier League and possess the qualities that Arsenal is looking for in a striker. Ultimately, it will be up to the club’s management to decide which player best fits their needs and budget.
In conclusion, Mikael Silvestre believes that Ollie Watkins would be a better signing for Arsenal than Ivan Toney. Silvestre argues that Watkins’ form, consistency, and ability to provide healthy competition make him a more attractive option for the North London club. However, the final decision will rest with Arsenal’s management, who will need to weigh the pros and cons of each player before making a move in the January transfer window.