The Gunners are ready to increase their bid for Watkins after seeing an opening offer rejected by an angry Aston Villa - but he's not the only forward on their radar in the final days of the transfer

Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Watkins and has turned to the England international as he looks for attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline. Arsenal are expected to make a second, improved offer for Watkins but Aston Villa boss Emery has no intention of losing him.

Arsenal have had a bid rejected by Aston Villa for England striker Ollie Watkins; Watkins has scored 10 goals in 23 games for Villa in the Premier League this season; Gunners expected to return with improved offer;

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has seemingly made the club's stance on selling Ollie Watkins very clear after a rejected bid from Arsenal.

Ollie Watkins is ‘open’ to joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline if Aston Villa back down and agree a deal with the Gunners. The future of England striker Watkins looks set to be one of the biggest talking points in the final few days of the transfer window after he was the subject of a big-money offer from Arsenal.

Unai Emery insisted Aston Villa will not sell Ollie Watkins after Arsenal reportedly made a £60 million ($74 million) bid just hours before the England striker helped his team reach the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was asked about Ollie Watkins after being the subject of a shock bid from Arsenal this week

Aston Villa reject an initial approach from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins and are reportedly considering a Saudi bid for Jhon Duran.

ASTON VILLA BOSS Unai Emery is determined to keep Ollie Watkins at the club this month amid offers from Arsenal but admits Jhon Duran’s potential exit is a good deal. Both of Villa’s strikers are subject to interest in the January transfer window,