Arsenal saw a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa on Thursday, with Mikel Arteta refusing to rule out a move for the striker before the end of the January window

The Gunners are actively trying to secure the services of the England international striker in the January transfer window and could make a second offer after their opening bid was turned down

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.