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.

Mikel Arteta has been lacking a reliable goalscorer all season long but Arsenal has made a transfer bid for a Premier League striker as it tries to chase down Liverpool.

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.

Ollie Watkins has already revealed that Arsenal would be his ‘dream’ transfer destination. The Gunners are reported to have launched a surprise move for the Aston Villa forward in the final week of the January window.

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 had an approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins turned down as they try to bring in a new forward before Monday’s transfer deadline. Villa boss Unai Emery has stressed his reluctance to lose the England striker,

Arsenal have made a surprise bid for striker Ollie Watkins, but Aston Villa have turned down an initial approach from their Premier League rivals.