Liverpool to move for 19-goal Aston Villa forward
By Kavin Kumar
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot plans to add more firepower to his attack by launching a stunning swoop for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The English striker has turned heads this season with his superb form in front of goal.
Bid for Ollie Watkins incoming from Liverpool
According to reports from The Sun, Liverpool are preparing a bid for Aston Villa's 28-year-old striker Ollie Watkins. The Merseyside club are looking to replace Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez with Ollie Watkins.
The English forward signed a new contract in Oct 2023, thus tying his future to the club until 2028. This might force Liverpool to submit a humongous bid to prise Watkins away from Villa. Moreover, Aston Villa have qualified for next season's Champions League which is bound to strengthen them financially. Thus, it seems tough for Liverpool to successfully negotiate a deal for Watkins. However, the possibility of Aston Villa breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) might play into their hands.
According to Whoscored, Ollie Watkins had piled up 32 goal contributions(19 goals and 13 assists) in the league this season, the same as Manchester City star Erling Haaland. His form has helped Villa secure a top-4 finish and has earned him a place in England's provisional squad for the Euro2024 in Germany. And he looks certain to be named in the final 26-man squad that will fly to Germany.
Darwin Nunez fails to impress
The Merseyside club have been left disappointed by striker Darwin Nunez's form. Despite being at the club for two years he hasn't shown the same lethal edge that he displayed during his time at Portuguese club Benfica. He has managed to score just 20 league goals in the last two years whereas he had scored 26 league goals in the 2021/22 season at Benfica. Nunez has also been guilty of missing numerous clear-cut chances in front of goal. His profligacy played a huge part in Liverpool withering away towards the end of the season and thus falling out of the title race.
With Liverpool legend Mohammed Salah possibly leaving for Saudi Arabia, Arne Slot will want to purchase a reliable striker who can help him fight for the Premier League title.