Arsenal failed in their late attempt to land Ollie Watkins' signing from Aston Villa, though Marcus Rashford could have just tipped the scales heading into deadline day.

Premier League clubs have until 11pm on Monday, February 3, to finalise all business for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign. Last week the Gunners came up with a cunning plan to get ahead of the game.

On Wednesday prior to kick-off in the last round of Champions League fixtures, they made a £60m swoop for Villa goalscorer Watkins to bolster their own front line. The answer was a swift no, with Villa upset at the timing of the offer before such an integral match, though in the days that have passed a rethink could be in order as a result of unfolding events.

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On Sunday night they have announced the shock loan capture of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. The 27-year-old has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season with an optional purchase clause.

That means the Midlands club have a ready-made replacement for Watkins were they to be convinced in the dying hours of the winter window, or failing that the next summer opportunity. Granted, Villa did allow another of their attacking cohort, Jhon Duran, to leave to Al-Nassr for £64m last week but then reports elsewhere are saying they are working towards another deadline day loan of Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain.

If Rashford's arrival did not, the Spaniard's would certainly mean Unai Emery has ample cover with Donyell Malen not to be forgotten. Only two issues would stand for the Gunners.

The first is easily Watkins' fresh injury scare, as he pulled up in pain before a half-time substitution in Villa's loss to Wolves on Saturday. Another factor Arsenal will be all too aware of is Emery's claim his striker told him he was prepared to reject the club he grew up supporting in favour of committing to Villa's project.

The Gunners boss said: "When some teams are calling us being interested in the players, it is good for us and the players. Some players prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here and commit to Aston Villa and compete for our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins.

"Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here." But Villa's signing of Rashford surely makes an exit for Watkins more likely.