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.

A Transfer Battle BrewingArsenal have made a bold move for Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his attacking force

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: "Things are going well. We won the last four games in the Champions League and winning in this competition is very demanding. "But overall the team has been very consistent,

Marrying his attacking and creative attributes together, Watkins’ off-ball running is also a key part of his wider contribution to his team going forward. Across the Premier League, he is one of the men most likely to stretch the opposition’s defensive line with his intelligent movement.

Arsenal would ‘prefer’ to sign two alternative strikers to Ollie Watkins but have ‘panicked’ in the final week of the transfer window, according to former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit. The north London club are considering making a second offer for England international Watkins after seeing their opening £60m bid rejected by Aston Villa.

Arsenal have made a bid for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as they look to land a striker in the final days of the transfer window - but Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have remained tight lipped

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has seen his bid for Ollie Watkins rejected - but the Gunners are expected to return before Monday's transfer deadline

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Arsenal may have to break the bank to sign Ollie Watkins before the January transfer window closes as reports suggest Aston Villa have revealed their huge asking price for the striker.

Arsenal face a massive uphill battle to land Ollie Watkins and should late move fail their Premier League and Champions League title hopes will be in peril

Ollie Watkins dreams of playing for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta is trying to help him realise this ambition. On Wednesday Arsenal made a formal offer for the Aston Villa striker amounting to around €72 million.