Arsenal could end the January transfer window with one new signing in the form of Ollie Watkins. Despite strong links to Jhon Duran, his Aston Villa teammate, the Gunners now look to be setting their sights on Watkins having already tabled an opening bid.

The Mail has revealed that offer, believed to be in the region of £60million, was rejected but that an improved proposal is on the way. The Secret Scout on X first revealed that an approach had been made by Arsenal and now further reports have emerged on the details including the stance of both clubs.

Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the 29-year-old, who is a boyhood Arsenal fan, while Villa are open to selling at the right price especially as Duran is viewed as their long-term option up front. The England international has contributed to 18 goals this season and would undoubtedly immediately improve Arteta's attacking options.

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There are still a number of formalities to solve including a fee with Villa, but there are expected to be minimal issues regarding personal terms as Watkins wants the move. There is one potentially major stumbling block however, and that involves Duran and his potential exit this month.

Chelsea have been strongly linked to the Colombia international, alongside Arsenal, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are also interested. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the Middle East outfit are on the verge of reaching a verbal agreement to sign Duran for £63million (€75m) with add-ons.

Though Villa want to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea before deadline day, Unai Emery allowing both of his strikers to leave is hard to imagine. As such, it looks as though he faces a big decision over whether to sanction an exit for Watkins or Duran.

One saving grace for Arsenal is the fact Al-Nassr are also in talks to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen. Only one forward is expected to join and with their back-up plan clear, it is very plausible that Villa accept Watkins' move to Arsenal and make Duran their No.1 striker which could see Boniface join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

That decision from Al-Nassr will be needed soon however, with their transfer window closing on Thursday, January 30.

In England, there are five days remaining of the winter window and therefore it seems more likely Watkins moves on as opposed to Duran.

Speaking about Duran recently, Villa boss Emery said: "The circumstances in this moment are not helping us to be 100% focused.

"But Jhon Duran is our player and I am happy with him. I want him here with us. I want him here."