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.

Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins has told him he’s happy to stay at Villa. The England international has been subject of an offer from Arsenal but Emery had stated he is not for sale this month. Jhon Duran is close to completing a £75million move to Saudi Arabia, increasing Watkins’ importance to the team.

Arsenal have turned their attention to Ollie Watkins as they try and secure January reinforcements for Mikel Arteta's attack. Villa have rejected a bid from the Gunners for their striker with the end of the winter transfer window looming less than a week away.