Emi Martinez comments show why Ollie Watkins is perfect signing for Arsenal

Arsenal linked with strikers

Arsenal currently have a number of attacking options on their books. However, the majority could certainly be improved upon.

Alexandre Lacazette has been used as Arsenal’s main no.9 under Mikel Arteta. But the Frenchman’s form is often inconsistent. He is also 30 and, most importantly, out of contract next summer.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is another experienced option at centre-forward, but he generally performs best on the left-wing.

This leaves the inexperienced trio of Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun. And the former of that trio is also out of contract next summer.

As a result, it was not too surprising to see it reported that the Gunners will try to sign a forward in the winter window.

And, so far, a number of names, including Youssef En-Nesyri, Andreas Belotti and Eran Zahavi have all been linked.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – JULY 24: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between Stoke City and Aston Villa at bet365 Stadium on July 24, 2021 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Martinez comments on Watkins show perfect Arsenal match

More recently, meanwhile, it appears Arsenal’s focus has shifted to be more local, with two top Premier League strikers linked with the north London outfit.

These players were Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin:

📰🗣️ Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins are on Arsenal’s list as they prepare for the departure of Alexandre Lacazette.

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 5, 2021

Watkins of Villa, of course, now plies his trade with former Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.

And Martinez’s previous comments on Watkins show why Arsenal should be looking to sign the hitman. Speaking back in 2020, the Argentine said this on the striker:

“He’s been outstanding for us, not just the goal-scoring and the finishing but his work ethic He’s a nightmare for defenders.”

Quotes via football.london.

Of course, the goalscoring point is important, but it is Martinez’s comments on Watkin’s work ethic which show why the Englishman is a perfect fit for Arsenal.

As already mentioned, Lacazette has largely been used as Arsenal’s main no.9 under Arteta, and though he is not the most clinical striker, the Frenchman has featured so frequently due to the amount of running/pressing he does.

So, in Watkins, it appears that, judging by Martinez’s comments, he would be able to do a similar job to Lacazette, only with a better end product.

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