Aston Villa are now willing to make an offer for a “world-class” star, and Unai Emery could play a key role in the potential move.
Villa keen on new striker amid Wright's criticism of Watkins
Ian Wright hasn’t been impressed by the way in which Ollie Watkins has started the campaign, with the former Arsenal man criticising the striker back in September, saying: “I think he could be a lot sharper with his finishing, and I thought that what he would be working on, the one-touch finish or the touch-finish on both sides.
“Those are the things you work on now for getting the chance to stay in the width of your 18-yard box, and he just doesn’t do that. He doesn’t do it enough.”
In fairness, Wright’s criticism is probably warranted, given that the England international has been unable to hit his usual heights, having scored just one Premier League goal in his opening eight matches.
After a slow start, the Villans have turned things around in recent weeks, rising to 11th in the table, but they remain keen on bringing in a new striker to challenge the 29-year-old for his starting spot, with Real Madrid’s Endrick of interest.
However, the Brazilian is not the only Madrid forward on the shortlist, with a report from Spain revealing Aston Villa are now willing to make a €20m (£17m) offer for Gonzalo Garcia, who is now looking to leave the La Liga club.
With Garcia receiving limited game time, the striker is now seeking a new opportunity, and Emery could play a decisive role in the transfer, given that the manager is known for his ability to develop talented youngsters.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Spanish side are willing to sanction a departure, given that the youngster is viewed as a key part of their future project, which is evidenced by the fact he has a €1bn (£868m) release clause in his contract.
"World-class" Garcia could be Watkins heir
Real Madrid reached the semi-finals of the new-look Club World Cup in the summer, before being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain, and journalist Zach Lowy was left very impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances.
The Madrid-born star put in some eye-catching displays out in the USA, chipping in with four goals and one assist in six matches, which suggests he is ready to be a regular starter for one of Europe’s top clubs.
That said, it is understandable the young Spaniard has been unable to force his way into the starting XI, given that Kylian Mbappe, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, is almost undroppable.
It would make sense for Garcia to pursue a move elsewhere, given that he will not want to stifle his development, and his age means the starlet could be a fantastic long-term heir for Watkins.
