In a surprising turn of events, former Arsenal defender Anton Ferdinand has voiced his opinion on Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a striker in the January transfer window, asserting that Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is a better fit for the Gunners than Brentford’s Ivan Toney. This revelation comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, as they look to bolster their attacking options amid a lackluster season.
With the Gunners currently grappling with a noticeable dip in form compared to the previous campaign, Arteta has been actively seeking reinforcements to reinvigorate their offensive capabilities. The recent struggles have not only affected Arsenal’s performance in the Premier League but have also dealt a significant blow to their title aspirations.
Watkins and Toney, both English forwards, have emerged as prime targets for Arteta, each bringing a unique set of skills to the table. However, according to Ferdinand, Watkins is the player who “suits” Arteta’s style of play and tactical approach more than Toney.
Ferdinand’s endorsement of Watkins over Toney could potentially influence Arteta’s decision-making as the January transfer window progresses. The £33 million price tag associated with Watkins has not deterred Arsenal’s interest, as the club looks to secure a deal that could inject much-needed firepower into their attacking lineup.
The former Arsenal defender pointed out specific attributes that make Watkins a better fit for Arteta’s system, emphasizing his versatility, work rate, and ability to link up play in the final third. Ferdinand believes that Watkins could seamlessly integrate into Arteta’s tactical framework, addressing the team’s deficiencies in the offensive department.
While Toney has enjoyed an impressive stint with Brentford, Ferdinand contends that Watkins’ attributes align more closely with what Arteta requires to revitalize Arsenal’s attacking prowess. The debate surrounding the two forwards has intensified among Arsenal fans, with opinions divided on which player would better serve the team’s needs.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal fans are eagerly awaiting Arteta’s decision on whether to pursue Watkins, Toney, or potentially another target altogether. The Gunners’ recent struggles have heightened the significance of securing a quality striker, and Ferdinand’s endorsement of Watkins adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing transfer saga.
With the £33 million price tag attached to Watkins, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy will need to weigh the potential impact of the signing against the club’s financial constraints. As the January transfer window unfolds, the footballing world will be watching closely to see whether Watkins or Toney emerges as the chosen solution to Arsenal’s attacking woes.
