Jermaine Pennant: Watkins Is Better Value For Money Than Isak, Gyökeres and Sesko

Arsenal’s Champions League dream came crashing down at the Parc des Princes last week, as a resilient and technically crafty PSG side sealed their place in the final with a commanding second-leg performance. Mikel Arteta’s side had hoped to end the season on a high, but the 3-1 aggregate defeat now shifts the focus sharply to the summer transfer window. With squad evolution in mind, we caught up with former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant to discuss what lies ahead for the Gunners.

In This Article:

• Watkins Is Better Value For Money Than Isak, Gyökeres and Sesko
• Arsenal Must Sharpen Their Attack Behind the Number Nine
• Rodrygo or Nico Williams Could Be the Final Piece

Watkins Is Better Value For Money Than Isak, Gyökeres and Sesko

Few doubt the priority at Arsenal this summer: a top-class striker. In January, Arsenal launched a bold late move for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, but the bid was turned down. Since then, the club has been linked with names like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Sesko. Yet Pennant believes Watkins remains the smartest move—especially when budget matters will play a huge role in who clubs are able to recruit.

“Arsenal do need a striker. If they’ve got the money, get Isak. But I think they should go back into the market for Ollie Watkins. I think he would be great,” Pennant explained.

“Everyone wants Isak, that’s obvious. But if they can’t splash £150m on him, then go and get Watkins. He’s got an eye for goal, he’s got pace, he’s an international and I think he would work well in Arteta’s system.”

Pennant also believes Watkins' Premier League track record gives him an edge over options from abroad.

“He can link up play. He’s got it all, to be fair to him, and it’ll be cut-price compared to Isak. Watkins is a proven Premier League player, so he’s a better bet than someone like Gyökeres. We’ve seen Darwin Nunez light it up in Portugal and struggle in England.”

Arsenal Must Sharpen Their Attack Behind the Number Nine

Injuries and inconsistency in attack cost Arsenal dearly this season. Bukayo Saka’s lengthy hamstring injury exposed the squad’s attacking depth, while Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard both saw dips in form. The Gunners have been linked with Nico Williams and Rodrygo, and Pennant believes either could reinvigorate Arsenal’s front line.

“Nico Williams and Rodrygo are both great players. If they can get either of those, they’ve got a worldie on their hands,” he said.

“Rodrygo has shown what he can do at Real Madrid, and we’ve seen Nico Williams deliver on the big stage for Spain. Either of them would sharpen that part of the team.”

Rodrygo or Nico Williams Could Be the Final Piece

Pennant remains optimistic about Martinelli’s future, but says his lack of composure in key moments needs to be addressed.

“Martinelli’s got all the attributes—great pace, he’s direct, he gets into great positions. But he lacks end product. It’s the opposite of Saka. He gets into great areas but just doesn’t do the right thing at the last second.”

“If Arsenal can land Rodrygo or Nico Williams, it could be the final spark the team needs.”

With Champions League ambitions firmly in sight for next season, Arsenal’s summer business could make or break their campaign. For Pennant, Watkins represents value and reliability, while Rodrygo or Nico Williams would offer world-class width and creativity. The question now is whether Arsenal can convince these talents to be part of Arteta’s next big push.