Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal double down on audacious striker raid after current forward turns his back on Arteta

Mikel Arteta preparing for an Arsenal match

Arsenal aren’t giving up on a striker raid from within the Premier League that looks difficult to make, and it’s importance has been heightened following a worrying update on a current forward, per reports.

The Gunners forward line is already filled to the brim with explosive talent. Mikel Arteta has at least two dependable assets for every position, something that’s contributed to Folarin Balogun wanting out.

Indeed, the Daily Mail recently reported Balogun – who’s currently thriving on loan at French side Reims – won’t accept another loan exit next year.

The Athletic reported he’s also reluctant to sign a new contract, while the Times claimed it’s ‘likely’ Arsenal will listen to offers over a permanent exit given they’re backed into a corner.

A fresh update from Football Insider revealed there is still one ray of hope regarding Balogun making it at the Emirates. However, that’s reliant on being guaranteed first-team minutes next term and that’s a near-impossible demand to meet given the presence of Gabriel Jesus.

With Balogun’s future seemingly laying away from north London, Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The 27-year-old has been in red hot form of late, notching nine goals in his last 11 games. His tally for the season has risen to 12 in 29 matches and he’s also provided five assists.

Watkins has long been on the Gunners’ radar, though per Football Insider, Villa are primed to foil the league leaders.

They claimed on April 12 that talks over a new Watkins deal at Villa Park that would see him pocket north of £100,000-a-week are ‘progressing well’.

However, the latest from FI reveals Arsenal aren’t content to accept defeat so easily.

Indeed, they report Arsenal ‘will continue to keep tabs’ on the frontman who can slot in on the left wing as well as up front.

The likeliest outcome at present is Watkins commits his future to Aston Villa. Unai Emery has his side trending in the right direction and a European campaign may well be on the agenda next season.

However, if there’s any sign negotiations between Watkins and Villa are stalling, Arsenal will be ready to pounce.

READ MORE: Arsenal star turns back on Arteta with exit likely unless near-impossible demand is met