Former Aston Villa striker Andy Gray believes Villa must sign an upgrade for Ollie Watkins if they want to push forward.
Watkins has been hailed for his performances at Aston Villa since joining and now has 50 Premier League goals to his name.
He started for Unai Emery’s men against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Villa Park and played the full 90 minutes as his side were turned over 2-1.
Some are now questioning whether Aston Villa are running out of steam in their bid to finish in a top four spot this season.
And ex-Villa man Gray thinks the issue is that the side are lacking a clinical striker.
He believes Watkins is a good enough player, but is short of the level required to fire Aston Villa to the next level.
“They haven’t got what I would call a clinical striker at the top end of the pitch”, Gray explained post match on beIN SPORTS.
“Ollie Watkins is a very good player, don’t get me wrong, has 50 league goals, had his framed shirt for that tonight, terrific.
“But is he going to elevate Villa to another level, to Champions League football and beyond?”
Aston Villa are tipped to back Emery once again in the summer transfer window, but who they can attract may largely depend on whether they can offer Champions League football or at least a realistic chance of securing it.
