Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as a potential transfer target for Arsenal in the final days of the January window.

The Gunners have until next Monday to complete their transfer business for the window with an 11pm deadline. A host of rumours have been swirling for several weeks claiming that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker before the window closes.

Reports have emerged on Wednesday claiming that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Watkins. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Gunners have already had a £60million bid rejected by Villa, and it remains to be seen if a new offer is expected to arrive from the Emirates Stadium.

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If the interest turns out to be genuine, Arsenal do not have a lot of time to be able to agree a deal for Watkins before the deadline. The Villa striker has scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season, but is yet to score in Europe or other cup competitions.

Should Arsenal be successful and sign Watkins, they may already have the perfect shirt number lined up for the striker. The England international currently wears the No.11 for Villa, but this is currently taken up by Gabriel Martinelli in the Gunners squad.

Arsenal do have some other squad numbers that may be of interest to Watkins, though. No.10 and No.14 remain available in the Gunners squad, with the latter potentially appealing to Watkins thanks to his admiration for one club legend.

The No.14 was previously worn by Arsenal icon Thierry Henry during his eight years with the Gunners. Watkins spoke of his admiration for Henry during his childhood and how the Arsenal legend influenced his love of the sport.

“I always say it now, the best player to play in the Premier League. I think he [Henry] was a joy to watch," Watkins told Sky Sports in August.

“Back then, when I was younger, I used to find games a little bit boring, I couldn’t sit still and watch. But whenever Thierry had the ball I always was excited and thought he was going to create something.”