Arsenal made an unexpected bid for Aston Villa striker Watkins – who has contributed ten goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances this term – with initial reports claiming they offered £60m but it was revealed yesterday that the bid was more like £45m.

The transfer window is approaching its final week as clubs in the Premier League and across Europe seek to close out deals

Mikel Arteta is said to be a long-standing admirer of the England striker, and the Gunners are now working on what would be a stunning swoop ahead of next week's winter transfer deadline. The odds are stacked against Arsenal, given that Watkins has more than three years left to run on his contract and is a key player for Unai Emery.

THE January transfer window is heating up with some MAJOR moves in the pipeline as Deadline Day quickly approaches. Arsenal are reportedly readying their second bid for Aston Villa’s England

Spurs have agreed to sign Manchester City youngster Daniel Batty, while Liverpool are still eyeing Rayan Cherki but could face strong competition. West Ham are busy in the final days of the window, with confidence over Evan Ferguson after a bid for Ricardo Pepi. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip below!

Arsenal are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window but are continuing to be linked with a host of players, with Ollie Watkins, Mathys Tel and a Liverpool star among them