Arsenal have been linked with a sensational late January transfer window swoop for Ollie Watkins.

The Aston Villa star has long been on the Gunners radar although the club moved on to other targets when the 29-year-old signed a new contract in 2023, keeping him at Villa Park until 2028. Ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, though, it appears a move could now be back on the cards.

According to The Secret Scout, Arsenal have approached Villa about potentially signing Watkins this winter. Any deal is expected to be in the region of £60million, although no agreement or decision has been reached.

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Talks with Aston Villa and Watkins are said to be "advancing", with the north Londoners keen to sign a striker before deadline day. Watkins is said to want the move, with Villa keen to sign Chelsea star Joao Felix before sanctioning any deal.

Interestingly, Watkins has previously confessed his love for Arsenal and his wish to play for the club one day. Speaking in 2020, the England international said: "That's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day, But, you know, it's a long shot. I'm an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he's unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really."

With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka out injured, Mikel Arteta has admitted the club are "actively looking" to sign a striker. "My opinion is clear. We lost two very important players in Saka and Jesus. We lack goals, we lack people and we lack options. It's clear, if we can get the right player," the Spaniard said.

"That's why we are actively looking at it. Someone who makes us better. We need some help. You have certain resources, the ability to recruit certain players, develop certain players, use certain players from the academy. It's a balance of what we can do."