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

Arsenal are ready to increase their bid for Ollie Watkins after seeing an opening offer rejected - and Unai Emery has made Aston Villa's position clear.

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.

Aston Villa rejected a bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins; Jhon Duran set to complete move to Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr in coming days which would leave Watkins as only striker at Villa; Watkins has scored 10 goals in 23 games for Villa in the Premier League this season.

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.

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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;

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.

Aston Villa have rejected a formal offer from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins, sources have told ESPN. Arsenal want to sign a forward before Monday's transfer deadline and are pursuing alternative options after accepting Benjamin Sesko is unlikely to leave Red Bull Leipzig this month.

Hours before both teams engaged in their UEFA Champions League phase deciders, Arsenal reportedly launched a late bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal face struggle to sign Ollie Watkins despite ‘good news’ over transfer bid - Aston Villa are reluctant to lose both Watkins and Jhon Duran before Monday’s transfer deadline