A boyhood Arsenal fan, Watkins would no doubt be interested in the move, but with Jhon Duran swapping Villa Park for Saudi Arabia, a deal does seem unlikely. However, in case Villa’s hand is forced and the 28-year-old does get his dream transfer, here are just three possible ways Mikel Arteta could set his team up with a new striker in the ranks.

Arsenal would ‘prefer’ to sign two alternative strikers to Ollie Watkins but have ‘panicked’ in the final week of the transfer window, according to former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit. The north London club are considering making a second offer for England international Watkins after seeing their opening £60m bid rejected by Aston Villa.

Unai Emery said he does not want Ollie Watkins to leave Aston Villa amid interest from Arsenal, but said if Jhon Durán joins Al Nassr then it is "good news."

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.

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.

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.

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;

Watkins went on to score a decisive third goal, his first in the Champions League, before missing a penalty against Celtic, with Morgan Rogers' hat-trick helping them through

Transfer news LIVE! Aston Villa's Watkins stance revealed, Arsenal's £60m striker deal, Tel fee agreed - The transfer window is approaching its final week as clubs in the Premier League and across Eur

Wright, Nick Mendola, and Andy Edwards discuss Arsenal reportedly bidding for Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, and whether the transfer makes sense for both clubs.

Spurs have opened talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel; Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd are also interested; French U21 international has scored 16 goals in 83 appearances in all competitions for