Olaleye Idowu
Former Arsenal midfielder, Emmanuel Petit, has wondered why the Gunners have not made any move to sign either Alexander Isak or Victor Osimhen this January.
The Gunners have reportedly tabled a £60million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins a few days ago, which was immediately turned down by Villa.
Petit claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side would push to sign Isak or Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen ahead of the Villa man.
Mikel Arteta’s men have struggled in the final third due to inefficient finishing. To that end, they have been linked with several strikers.
Emmanuel Petit labelled the club’s bid for Watkins, a “panic buy”.
Petit told Metro, ”The potential signing of Ollie Watkins to Arsenal feels like a bit of a panic buy.
“He wasn’t the first-choice target, but with the January transfer window nearing its end, they have had to act.
”I’m fairly certain Arsenal would have preferred a different striker. That being said, I do like Watkins as a player. He is highly competitive, has a strong desire to score goals and provide assists, and brings real energy to the attack.
“He would add a physical presence to Arsenal’s forward line, and with his pace, he offers something different.
”However, there would have been a few names ahead of Ollie Watkins that Arsenal wanted. Alexander Isak possesses everything Arsenal would want and need in an out-and-out striker.
“I think Victor Osimhen would also have been on the list, but perhaps his personality and character could have been a problem going forward for Arsenal.’’
