Arsenal show transfer intent as shock Ollie Watkins move proves major point - Mikel Arteta clearly believes there is still plenty left for the Gunners to play for this season

Arsenal made an unexpected bid for Aston Villa striker Watkins – who has contributed ten goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances this term – with initial reports claiming they offered £60m but it was revealed yesterday that the bid was more like £45m.

Arsenal hold an interest in Ollie Watkins but face an uphill task to convince Aston Villa before Monday's deadline

Arsenal have been urged to sign a striker this month - and it seems they have set their sights on doing a huge deal for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins before the transfer deadline

Arsenal have made a shock move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins who has already made his feelings clear on a move to the Emirates. The Gunners have been on the lookout for attacking reinforcements in January following the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Mikel Arteta is said to be a long-standing admirer of the England striker, and the Gunners are now working on what would be a stunning swoop ahead of next week's winter transfer deadline. The odds are stacked against Arsenal, given that Watkins has more than three years left to run on his contract and is a key player for Unai Emery.

Unai Emery has reaffirmed that he doesn't want Ollie Watkins to leave Aston Villa after the club received an official bid from Arsenal.

Aston Villa transfer news as Ollie Watkins stance matches Unai Emery's despite Arsenal bid and late January window interest

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins wants to stay at the club after Arsenal made a bid for the striker. Watkins was the subject of a rejected offer from the Gunners earlier this week, reported to be £60million.