Keane tips Arsenal target for 'top' transfer

Cameron Smith

• 11 Mar 2024 09:40 GMT
• 4 min read

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has tipped Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to join a “top team” following his impressive 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

The England international is the only player to have registered double digits for both goals and assists in the English top flight this term (16 goals and 10 assists), and he is being monitored by Arsenal as the Gunners look for a new number nine.

Mikel Arteta has recently used Kai Havertz through the middle, in Gabriel Jesus’ absence, and despite the German’s eye-catching form, the Gunners reportedly remain in the hunt for a new centre forward.

READ MORE: Arteta - Havertz is no longer an Arsenal flop

Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres have all been linked over the past few months, while Arsenal are also known admirers of Watkins. Furthermore, the Aston Villa star is also a boyhood Gunners fan and idolised Thierry Henry growing up.

While the 28-year-old recently signed a new long-term contract at Villa Park, Keane believes Watkins is ready for a step up.

READ MORE: Arsenal target named Premier League Player of the Season so far

What has Roy Keane said?

“I think he could play for one of the top teams,” Keane admitted to Sky Sports.

“I know Aston Villa are a big club, but I mean the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and obviously Manchester City. That’s a compliment to him, not something against Aston Villa - I just think he’s got the capability, he looks so sharp, great movement to him and he’s as deadly as any striker in the Premier League.”

Man City are currently settled with Erling Haaland as their striker, while Darwin Nunez has begun to settle at Liverpool after a difficult start. Furthermore, Rasmus Hojlund has found form at Man Utd and looks to be their long-term striker solution.

A move to Arsenal, therefore, seems the most likely if Watkins does end up leaving Aston Villa.

Unai Emery’s team are currently fourth in the English top flight table, although they suffered a 4-0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, meaning Ange Postecoglou’s side will leapfrog them if they win their game in hand.