Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has recommended that Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea pursue the signing of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Melchiot, acknowledging Watkins’ prowess, emphasized the England international’s goal-scoring abilities as a valuable asset for top-tier clubs.
Watkins has been instrumental for Aston Villa this season, contributing 15 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His performances have played a crucial role in Aston Villa’s commendable season under manager Unai Emery as they vie for a top-four spot.
Despite Manchester United securing talented teenager Rasmus Hojlund during the summer, Melchiot suggested that the Red Devils could benefit from adding a more seasoned Premier League player like Watkins. This recommendation stems from Hojlund’s slower adaptation to the English top-flight.
In an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes Fanzone, Melchiot expressed admiration for Watkins, highlighting the striker’s development as a late bloomer at the elite level. He asserted that signing Watkins would be a “no-brainer” for Manchester United, Arsenal, or Chelsea, emphasizing the need for a consistent goal-scoring presence in their squads.
Melchiot noted the tendency of top teams to prioritize immediate impact from new signings, potentially overlooking players like Watkins, who might take time to acclimate. However, he argued that Watkins fulfills the common requirement for all three clubs: a prolific striker capable of consistently finding the back of the net.
Melchiot’s recommendation centers on recognizing Watkins as a valuable asset and addresses the shared need for goal-scoring prowess in the squads of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. His insights challenge the notion of immediate impact as the sole criterion for signings, underscoring the potential impact Watkins could bring to these top-tier teams.
