Edu can make £50million Arsenal decision as Viktor Gyokeres sends new message

Arsenal were linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer, but Emmanuel Petit has urged the Gunners to go for a different forward in the January window

Emmanuel Petit has offered advice to Edu Gaspar on saving Arsenal £50million in the January transfer window.

Petit, who donned the Arsenal shirt 118 times between 1997 and 2000, clearly still holds his old club close to his heart, and he's been particularly vocal about the potential signing of Ollie Watkins ahead of the winter window. The Gunners had a busy summer, with new arrivals including Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, central midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, and Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea for the season.

Despite these additions, Arsenal were unable to secure a top-tier No. 9 - a position they've struggled with recently, as Gabriel Jesus hasn't quite lived up to expectations since his £45million move from Manchester City two years ago. While manager Mikel Arteta seems content to utilise German star Kai Havertz in a 'false' nine role for now, the club did show interest in Aston Villa's Watkins during the summer, reports the Mirror.

Edu was unsuccessful in attracting the England international, who boasts an impressive record of 73 goals in 175 appearances for Villa, to the Emirates Stadium. However, the club may attempt to sign him again in January.

But Petit thinks the Gunners' funds could be better used elsewhere, advising Edu on how he could save £50million by investing in a younger player who has been performing exceptionally well recently. Speaking to TVKampen, Petit shared his admiration for Viktor Gyokeres' performance saying: "I watched Viktor Gyokeres in the Champions League and he did well.

"It's mysterious how well he has done in the last few years and especially since he joined Sporting. He's signed a new contract so his value will be over £50 million. With Ollie Watkins, he's 28 now and although he's having a great time at Aston Villa, I'd want Arsenal to go after Gyokeres instead.

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"Watkins is older and would probably cost around £100 million, although I'm a huge fan of his and is a nightmare for defenders, Arsenal should go for Gyokeres."

The Swede is proving a revelation at Sporting CP after his move from Coventry City, notching up an incredible 54 goals in just 58 outings in all competitions.

The 26-year-old forward has been particularly lethal this season in Liga Portugal with 10 strikes in six matches, featuring stellar performances such as his double against Nacional and AVS, topped with a hat-trick against Farense. Moreover, Gyokeres shone in Sporting's recent Champions League victory over Lille with his goal 38 minutes in, showcasing his technical ability inside the penalty area.

Despite Zeno Debast capturing attention with his stunning long-range effort in the 65th minute – a goal which TNT Sports hailed as "one of the goals of the season already" – Gyokeres' impact this term is undeniable. Arsenal are currently sitting pretty in fourth place in the Premier League, boasting three victories and two draws.

However, it's evident that Arteta is still missing a proven goal scorer within his ranks. Edu might want to consider bringing in some new talent during the January transfer window, and Gyokeres could be just the ticket given his impressive form in Portugal. If Arsenal decide to chase Watkins, they may have to dig deep into their pockets for the star player. But considering his age, there isn't much potential for resale value - a significant consideration if he doesn't hit the ground running in north London.

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