Rio Ferdinand sends Arsenal transfer instruction after rejected bid - 'he deserves that'

believes star Ollie Watkins deserves a move to Arsenal this summer.

The 29-year-old England international was as the Gunners sought to bolster their weakened attack. However, Villa instead sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £65million which meant that had to stay in the West Midlands.

Although a move didn't materialise earlier this year, there is a chance Watkins departs Villa at the end of the season.

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The striker cast uncertainty on his future after admitting last month that he was "fuming" with manager Unai Emery for being dropped to the bench during the Champions League doubleheader against Paris Saint-Germain.

With Arsenal needing to strengthen their attack line, side could reignite their interest in Watkins.

"I think he’s a cult hero here," Ferdinand said of the striker on TNT Sports.

"He’s one of the main reasons as to why they’re playing Champions League football and playing at this level.

"I think for any defender he’s a hard day’s work, 100 per cent, he’s added quality to his game over the last few years.

"His route to the top hasn’t been conventional, no academies, he’s worked his way here and he deserves everything he gets.

"I wasn’t surprised Arsenal came in for him because I think he deserves that given the performances and the output he’s been putting in."

Meanwhile, Emery has previously praised the attacker’s mindset, as he has netted 16 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season.

"He’s amazing," Emery said. "Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing. When he is scoring goals, it's the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he's contributing to help the team. But even when he's not doing both, he's working for the team.

"Defensively, the commitment was always high. He is in the press to the opponent. His commitment and behaviour is always a very good example for others. His power is his mind. His mentality is the best quality he has."