Arsenal face an uphill battle in their bid to sign Ollie Watkins, with Aston Villa unwilling to lose both the England striker and Jhon Duran before Monday’s transfer deadline. The Gunners want to sign a forward in the final days of the window and have had an approach for Watkins turned down.

A Transfer Battle BrewingArsenal have made a bold move for Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his attacking force

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.

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

Unai Emery has said strikers Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins being wanted by other clubs is a sign of Aston Villa’s recent successes. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.