Arsenal has shifted their focus to attempting to capture Ollie Watkins before the transfer deadline next week, According to the Daily Mail.
The 29-year-old is thought to have been a longtime admirer of Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.
The Premier League opponents have turned down the club’s original bid of £60 million for Watkins. However, a better bid is anticipated. Watkins is an important part of Unai Emery’s team and still has three years left on his current contract.
Watkins has previously said that he grew up as an Arsenal supporter, so a move to the club would appeal to him. In 2020, the England international stated while playing for Brentford:
Villa believe they are in a strong position due to Watkins’ contractual situation. It remains to be seen if Arsenal can successfully seal a deal in the January window.
Watkins has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances for Villa this season, including a recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.