Watkins transfer latest: Ray Parlour interrupted for Aston Villa exit bombshell
Alan Brazil wasn’t waiting around as he offered his verdict on an Ollie Watkins exit at Aston Villa this summer.
The England international has been strongly linked with a move away from Villa Park for many weeks after his own “fuming” admission.
This came as his minutes under Unai Emery dropped after the signing of Marcus Rashford, with a summer departure still on the cards in B6.
With that being said, Ray Parlour has shared his thoughts alongside Brazil on a potential switch to Arsenal for Watkins in the upcoming window.
Brazil in snappy Watkins to Arsenal prediction
It does feel to many as if the 29-year-old has reached the end of the line with the Villans after a controversial few weeks in the Midlands.
Despite drawing level with Gabby Agbonlahor as Villa’s top Premier League scorer, there is plenty of frustration aimed at the striker.
After missing the most big chances in the entire division, fans have begun to lose patience with Watkins, who continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal.
With the Gunners losing to PSG in the Champions League semi-final, the lack of a recognised number nine has been slammed, with the Villa man emerging as a potential option.
Given that Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of a trophy at the Emirates, Parlour has suggested to talkSPORT (9 May, 06:27am) that he could be a short-term option in N7.
He said: “They need to win a trophy in the next couple of years, Arsenal, so he’d be a quick fix. He’s an Arsenal fan, so if you can get him…”
The former midfielder was cut short as Brazil interrupted, saying: “If I was Ollie [Watkins], I’d be off. I’d be off.”
Watkins could be done at Aston Villa
There is no doubt that the Englishman has been a superb servant for the Villans since signing from Brentford in 2020.
Although that may be the case, his lack of cutting edge may be frustrating for Emery, who could target a new option in the summer.
This comes after the sale of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia, who had showcased his ability in front of goal throughout the first half of the season.
It will certainly be interesting to see where the future of Watkins lies, especially as links to Arsenal continue to bubble under the surface.