Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has expressed his preference for his old club to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins over Brentford star Ivan Toney. Toney, who is set to leave Brentford in the January transfer window, has been identified as Arsenal’s top target by manager Mikel Arteta, despite his hefty price tag of £80m. However, Silvestre believes that Watkins would be a more attractive option for the north London club.
Watkins, who is the same age as Toney, has been in excellent form for Villa this season, contributing to eight goals in eight Premier League appearances. Silvestre argues that signing a third striker like Watkins would provide Arsenal with a valuable luxury, especially considering the number of games they could potentially play this season.
Silvestre stated, “The team always needs healthy competition and it needs quality, so if Arsenal were to sign another striker in the near future, then it would be [Ollie] Watkins over [Ivan] Toney if the decision was up to me.”
Watkins recently signed a new five-year deal with Villa, keeping him at the club until 2028. Since joining Villa from Brentford three years ago, he has scored 50 goals and provided 17 assists in 129 games.
While Toney has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most potent strikers in recent seasons, Silvestre believes that Watkins’ form and potential make him a more attractive option for Arsenal. The competition between Watkins, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Jesus would provide healthy competition and depth for the team.
Arsenal’s interest in Toney comes despite his ongoing ban for breaching betting regulations. Once he completes his eight-month suspension, he will be free to join a new club. However, Silvestre’s preference for Watkins suggests that he believes the Villa striker would be a better fit for Arsenal’s squad.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will heed Silvestre’s advice and pursue Watkins instead of Toney. The decision ultimately lies with the club’s management and coaching staff, who will consider various factors, including the players’ abilities, potential, and fit within the team’s style of play.
In conclusion, former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre believes that his old club should prioritize signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins over Brentford star Ivan Toney. Silvestre argues that Watkins’ form, potential, and ability to provide healthy competition would make him a more attractive option for Arsenal. However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will follow Silvestre’s advice or pursue Toney as their top target in the upcoming transfer window.