Manchester United must leave the transfer window with a No. 9, and while signing Viktor Gyokeres appears to be a challenging deal amid Arsenal's rumored interest, another option is becoming obvious.
United have been linked to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in recent days, and it sounds like a potential move is heating up.
According to David McDonnell and Nathan Ridley of The Mirror, United are "stepping up their interest" in Watkins, noting that the club is "convinced" Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal.
The idea of signing Watkins has split opinion among United fans, but it really shouldn't. This would be a huge move for Ruben Amorim's side. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer and could immediately fix a major problem for this team.
Ollie Watkins would be a dream signing to play alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for Man United
United have focused on adding players who have proven themselves in the Premier League. Yes, it's an expensive strategy, but a smart one.
Watkins has started 174 Premier League games for Villa across five seasons, netting 75 goals and assisting 34. Last season, he scored 16 league goals. With Watkins leading the attack, Villa secured Champions League qualification in the 2023/24 season and reached the quarter-finals of the competition last term. Only goal difference prevented them from qualifying again.
Gyokeres might come with greater potential, but also more risk. And if United are unlikely to make a deal for the Sporting goalscorer, Watkins is an unbelievable Plan B.
He has risen through the English Football League, playing in League Two with Exeter City, the Championship with Brentford, and finally the Premier League. His success with Villa helped him land a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored the dramatic winner in the semi-finals versus the Netherlands.
United need a goalscorer, and Watkins would provide that.
As an added bonus, he played with Mbeumo at Brentford for one season, helping the Bees reach the 2020 Championship playoff final.
Even if Watkins isn't United's top transfer target, he would undoubtedly make a huge impact for Amorim's side.