Arsenal made an unexpected bid for Aston Villa striker Watkins – who has contributed ten goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances this term – with initial reports claiming they offered £60m but it was revealed yesterday that the bid was more like £45m.

The transfer window is approaching its final week as clubs in the Premier League and across Europe seek to close out deals

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.

Arsenal are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window but are continuing to be linked with a host of players, with Ollie Watkins, Mathys Tel and a Liverpool star among them