Ollie Watkins is once again being linked with a move to Arsenal. The Aston Villa striker has been on the Gunners' radar for some time and the January transfer window is no different.

The 29-year-old, who signed a new contract which will keep him at Villa Park until 2028, has become one of England's most-prolific goalscorers in recent years with 80 goals for Villa.

Ahead of the final days of the January transfer window, reports have claimed that Arsenal have launched a surprise move to bring Watkins to the Emirates Stadium before Monday's deadline.

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Arsenal are understood to be desperate for a new attacker for the remainder of the season following injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. So with that being said, football.london provides you a lowdown of everything we know about the Gunners' pursuit...

Bid rejected

News of Arsenal's move for Watkins first emerged via The Secret Scout on X. The page reported that the Gunners had 'approached' Villa with a bid in the region of £60m.

No agreement or decision is in place yet but it also states how Joao Felix is one Villa's radar and they would prefer to sign him from Chelsea before considering the sale of the England international.

The Daily Mail then followed that up by claiming the initial offer was rejected by Villa but another, improved, attempt was expected to come.

Watkins' Arsenal love

Back in 2020, when he was a Brentford, Watkins admitted he grew up as an Arsenal fan. "That's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day," he said. "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."

Arteta's January stance

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."