Arsenal, which has faced problems in the forward line due to the lack of sharpness from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, sees Watkins as an ideal solution to boost their attack. However, Aston Villa, who recently loaned Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr, is not willing to lose another key attacker in the middle of the season.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has taken another twist. The Gunners are looking to recruit a forward to add to Mikel Arteta’s ranks before Monday’s deadline. Matheus Cunha has been linked with Arsenal, while Benjamin Sesko and Mathys Tel have also been mooted as potential options.

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.

Ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, the Gunners have had an approach for Watkins turned down with Villa reluctant to sell the England international in the same window where Jhon Duran is expected to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.