Arsenal contact Premier League forward after facing issues in Gyokeres and Sesko negotiations

In an attempt to find a solution, according to trusted @Teamnewsandtix, Arsenal have once again reached out to Ollie Watkins and asked the striker to “hold fire on any deal.” While Watkins is understood to be the Gunners’ third-choice striker target this summer, the gap between him and the top two options may be narrowing.

Watkins was being linked with a move to Manchester United, but Arsenal are obviously keen to ensure he remains an option for them if talks elsewhere continue to stall.

The rest of his update said: “Today I was told that Arsenal spoke to Ollie Watkins again and said hold fire on any deal. He would be third choice, but with the first two looking difficult, it’s not a third choice that’s miles away. Watkins is an Arsenal fan and would love to play for them.”

With other reports claiming that Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško are both looking increasingly difficult or expensive to sign, the Aston Villa forward is firmly under consideration. Watkins, who is a boyhood Arsenal fan, is believed to be keen on a move to the Emirates.

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A move for Watkins could prove more financially feasible, with a potential price tag likely below £50million. That would be significantly cheaper than the release clauses for Gyökeres and Šeško, giving Arsenal greater flexibility in the transfer market.

Opting for Watkins would not only bring in a proven Premier League striker with proven goalscoring ability in the league, but also allow the Gunners to pursue other attacking reinforcements. One such name is Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who has emerged as a serious target. You can read more about the possibility of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, as the club continues to explore ways of adding elite-quality attackers to Arteta’s squad.

Create your favourite Arsenal XI with our free Arsenal team builder as speculation intensifies over which attacking stars could arrive at the Emirates this summer and stay close to our Arsenal transfers section for updates this summer.