Mikel Arteta could yet sanction four transfers in the final days of the January transfer window. The Gunners are yet to do any significant business this month, but that could change in the lead-up to deadline day after a strong interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins emerged.

On Wednesday, it was revealed a bid from Emirates Stadium was launched for Watkins, with the value of that since being revealed to be in the region of £45million, according to the Telegraph. Understandably, that was rejected by Villa, with Watkins going on to play a crucial role in the 4-2 Champions League win against Celtic later that day.

Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta have both since commented on Watkins, but neither offered clear updates, with the latter particularly tight-lipped. Nonetheless, it would appear Arsenal are keen on signing Watkins in the winter window, though a big spanner has been thrown in the works.

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Jhon Duran, Watkins' teammate, is set to complete a stunning £64million (€77m) move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Both exiting in the span of a few days is extremely unlikely, and therefore Arsenal may have to hope the move breaks down or that Villa are able to sign a replacement.

Chelsea's Joao Felix, while not a natural centre-forward, has been linked with a switch to Villa Park. Based on that and the fact Duran's move has not been officially confirmed yet, there is a slim chance Watkins can still join Arsenal if an improved bid is submitted.

Selling both would likely result in two new signings for Villa, with Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel another that has been linked. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are also firmly in the race for the France international, with the latter prepared to pay £50.2million (€60m) to sign him permanently.

The 19-year-old is now expected to take some time over deciding his future, and he could well realise that a move to Arsenal makes perfect sense. Having spent most of the season on the bench, Tel wants minutes, and that is something Arsenal can give him, at least in the next few months, due to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus' injuries.

Ethan Nwaneri's return from a minor issue has come at the perfect time but Arteta will not want to overexpose him. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz could also do with rests while also giving the latter a chance to play in midfield again while the other two battle it out for the left-wing spot.

Ethan Nwaneri's return from a minor issue has come at the perfect time, but Arteta will not want to overexpose him. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz could also do with rests while also giving the latter a chance to play in midfield again while the other two battle it out for the left-wing spot.

Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, has struggled significantly since his loan move from Chelsea. Though Arteta has confirmed the latter will not be sent back to Stamford Bridge, if a loan for Tel can be agreed, it is worth considering ending his temporary spell with the teenager as his replacement.

In terms of other outgoings, a third EFL loan move for Nathan Butler-Oyedeji could yet be sanctioned. A permanent exit this summer is a real possibility for the 22-year-old, and therefore it could be worth allowing him to depart and get more minutes under his belt over the next six months.

Dream Arsenal attack after January: Tel, Watkins, Martinelli.