Edu told how to save £50m in transfer market as Viktor Gyokeres sends Arsenal message

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has urged his former club to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead of Ollie Watkins, citing how the striker has impressed in recent years and now has a far cheaper price-tag

Emmanuel Petit has told Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar how he can save £50million in the January transfer window.

The Frenchman, who made 118 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2000, seems to have his former club's best interests at heart ahead of January's transfer window - being incredibly vocal over marquee target Ollie Watkins. The north London club enjoyed a busy summer window, bringing in centre-half Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, centre-mid Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, keeper David Raya from Brentford and Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

However, Arsenal failed to acquire an out and out No. 9 - an area which they've been lacking in of late with Gabriel Jesus failing to cut the mustard since signing from Manchester City for £45million two years ago. And while Mikel Arteta seems comfortable playing German sensation Kai Havertz in a false nine for the time being, the club had their eyes on Aston Villa's Watkins over the summer.

While Edu was unable to lure the England international, who has netted 73 in 175 for the Villains, the club could try to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in the January window. But Petit believes that their money is best spent elsewhere, telling Edu how he can save £50million on a younger player who has been outstanding as of recent.

Speaking to TVKampen, Petit explained: "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. 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."

Prolific 26-year-old Gyokeres has undoubtedly impressed since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City last summer, scoring 54 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions. In just six Liga Portugal games this season, the Swedish sensation has scored 10 goals against high-calibre competition, including braces against Nacional and AVS, and a hat-trick against Farense.

Gyokeres also impressed in Sporting's 2-0 win over Lille in the Champion's League last week, opening the scoring for his side 38 minutes into the game with a touch of finesse from inside the box. While Zeno Debast stole the thunder on the night with his 65th minute rocket from outside of the box - which TNT Sports have dubbed "one of the goals of the season already", there's no doubt that Gyokeres has made his mark already this season.

Arsenal currently sit at fourth in the Premier League with three wins and two draws to their name, but it's clear that Arteta still lacks a proven striker within his squad. Should Edu try to obtain fresh legs when the January transfer window rolls around, Gyokeres could easily fit the bill given how much he has impressed in Portugal.

If the Gunners pursue Watkins, they may have to spent mega amounts on the star man. But given his age, there isn't much room for reselling value - a huge factor if he fails to impress in north London.

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