“His level…” – Roy Keane appears to question if Prem striker is good enough for Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has appeared to question if Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is really someone who can go to a higher level than the one he’s at now.

As was reported by Sky Sports and others in January, Arsenal had a bid for Watkins rejected by Villa, and one imagines there were plenty of Gunners supporters who were eager for that deal to go through.

Watkins has shone during his time at Villa Park, establishing himself as one of the top players in the Premier League, and like someone who could have it in him to play for an even bigger club.

The England international has 12 goals and six assists in 28 league games in 2024/25, but Keane has raised some concerns about him and his true level.

Ollie Watkins criticised after missing good chance for Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Watkins had a big chance to score for Villa last night in their FA Cup win over Cardiff City, but the 29-year-old couldn’t get the finish right and Keane focused on that during his half time analysis.

As quoted by the Mirror, the pundit said: “I like Watkins, I think he’s a really good player, I think he’s a threat, but maybe this is his level.

“I know he’s been linked with other clubs, but sometimes you go ‘maybe you’re not going to be that top, top striker’.”

Arsenal urgently needed a striker this January, with the club suffering so many injuries up front that they’ve had to resort to using midfielder Mikel Merino in that position.

Watkins would surely have been a useful signing, even if he’s not quite the world class name many fans will be hoping to see at the Emirates Stadium soon.

One imagines, however, that Watkins may now have missed his last chance to get a big move like this.