‘Put in £100m’: Paul Merson wants Arsenal to make surprise bid for 20-goal/assist striker | OneFootball

Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to make a significant bid to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before the transfer deadline.

The London giants are determined to bolster the centre-forward department before the transfer window closes on Monday night.

Watkins has been identified as the top target, but Villa are reluctant to sell him following Jhon Duran’s move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

Villa manager Unai Emery has clarified that Watkins is happy to stay, but Merson believes Arsenal could still prise the striker away.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the 56-year-old said that the Gunners must stay patient with manager Mikel Arteta, given the progress made.

Merson added that he would personally sign Watkins despite his age. He urged Arsenal to persuade Villa with a £100 million transfer bid.

He said: “Arsenal have to be patient. Stay patient with Arteta and Arsenal will be there or thereabouts.

“I would get Watkins. I hear Arsenal fans say he’s 29. Who cares? It’s for now, next year and the year after. After that, it doesn’t matter.

“Put in £100m! If they do that, I’d be shocked if Villa turned that down!”

Arsenal unlikely to make £100m outlay on Watkins

The Englishman has had another productive season with Villa. He has managed 20 goal contributions from 32 appearances in all competitions.

Watkins had a tough start to the campaign with the Midlands outfit, and there were suggestions that Duran could become the first-choice striker.

However, he has managed to revive his form over the past few weeks, which has contributed to Duran opting for a big-money move to Saudi.

Arsenal have been linked with Watkins over the last few days. They recently made a £40m offer for the striker, which Villa immediately rejected.

In our view, the club could come up with a renewed bid closer to £50m, but it is unlikely that Villa will entertain the proposal before Monday’s deadline.

As Merson said, a £100m bid could seriously test Villa’s resolve, but Arsenal are unlikely to make such a huge outlay on a striker who has just turned 29.

The Gunners have their sights on landing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko in the summer and may not want to overspend and limit their summer striker budget.

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