Arsenal have turned their attention to Ollie Watkins as the Gunners try to secure January reinforcements for Mikel Arteta's attack. The Gunners are long term admirers of Watkins, who has scored 69 goals in 169 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa since joining the club in the summer of 2020.

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

It is understood Arsenal have made an initial offer for Aston Villa forward Watkins which has been rejected but an improved attempt is expected.

Mikel Arteta is eager for Arsenal to strengthen their squad before the January transfer window closes - even if they cannot sign a new striker. Arteta has stressed the need for the Gunners to add an attacker after Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus suffered injuries.

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has warned Mikel Arteta against signing £65m target Matheus Cunha. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian as they look to bolster Arteta’s attacking options before the transfer deadline.

Mikel Arteta has said that Arsenal are “actively” looking to identify targets in the January transfer window as he admits the side “ideally need some help”. The Arsenal manager said his opinion on the situation was “clear” after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to hamstring and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.