Arsenal tipped to seal shock Aston Villa transfer on one condition

Former Leeds United and Derby County striker Noel Whelan thinks Arsenal may move to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa if they feel he can be improved.

Watkins has been linked with a move to Arsenal with debate about the striker's future at Villa intensifying in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old ended a six-match run without a goal when he scored the second in Villa's 2-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Watkins has competition in Danny Ings this season with Steven Gerrard preferring a formation that leads with one striker.

Having bagged an impressive 16 goals in his first campaign with Villa after a £28 million move from Brentford in 2020, Watkins only has six to his name this season.

Watkins is contracted to Villa until 2025 and they do not want or need to sell the player.

Whelan, meanwhile, can see Arsenal going for him as a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who signed for Barcelona a month ago.

However, Whelan thinks that the Gunners will only move for Watkins if they feel he can be improved.

"Aubameyang is a massive name, and he’s firing them in for Barcelona right now," Whelan told the website Football Insider.

"Is Watkins the type of player who can come in and have that same impact? I'm not so sure, I think Aubameyang is just that grade ahead when in form.

"But he's young and he's got talent.

"There's nothing to say that he can't step into those shoes in the future.

"If he's willing to go and Arsenal are willing to pay, it's clear from what we know about their recent signings they are looking for youth and longevity.

"He's relatively young but he’s already got that international recognition with England.

"It's not the worst signing that they could make. We've seen him do it for Villa and his