Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has urged the Gunners to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title.

The Gunners have finished second in the league behind Manchester City in the last two seasons. They went head-to-head to Pep Guardiola’s side last term and eventually lost by a two-point margin.

The London giants will be aiming to go all the way next season and Petit believes a striker should be the number one priority for the club before the transfer deadline.

The ex-France international added that Arsenal need someone who is good in the air and can be physically imposing. He feels the Gunners are too predictable.

Petit further mentioned that he is a huge admirer of Watkins and believes he would be perfect for the current tactical system under manager Mikel Arteta.

He said in a recent interview: “Signing a striker should be Arsenal’s number one priority in the transfer window. They need someone that is good in the air and can also be physically imposing.

“It’s good to have different options, and with Arsenal, you know how they will play on the attack, and it can be too predictable.

“With the amount of balls they put into the box, they need to find someone to score headers. That is one part of the attack that must improve.

“There are a few players who tick all these boxes on the market. I’m a huge fan of Ollie Watkins. I love him! He’s strong physically. He has the pace to run in behind defenders.

“He’s able to fight with two defenders all the time and can hold up the ball. I think he would be perfect for the football that Arsenal play.

“He has the ability to play one-on-one combinations and I think he would fit like a glove into an Arsenal team and system.”

Watkins had an exceptional 2023/24 season with Unai Emery’s side. He scored an outstanding 27 goals alongside 13 assists from 53 appearances across all competitions.

One of those goals came in the 2-0 win over Arsenal earlier this year. It was the Gunners’ only league defeat of the year, but it proved costly in their pursuit of the title.

The Englishman has transformed into one of the Premier League’s best strikers and signing him would definitely enhance Arsenal’s chances of winning the English crown.

However, a deal appears improbable in the current transfer window. Villa have just qualified for the Champions League after four decades and have no reason to sell.

Watkins is also happy with the proceedings at the Midlands outfit. The club are unlikely to weaken their top-four/five hopes next term by parting ways with the 28-year-old.