- Arsenal saw a shock bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa on Wednesday
- The Gunners have been keen to sign an attacking option in the January window
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ollie Watkins to Arsenal? It’s terrible planning from Arsenal… it’s all a bit late and panicked from the Gunners!
Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month but Aston Villa are determined to keep the England international.
Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that the Gunners had an offer for Watkins rejected after receiving encouragement that a successful swoop was possible.
Arsenal, on Thursday, still had not given up hope of landing the 29-year-old despite the understanding that Villa will not consider selling Watkins and his strike partner Jhon Duran in the same window.
Duran is close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.
Arsenal are now weighing up a second offer in hope of reviving the deal but if Duran completes his switch to the Middle East it appears highly unlikely that a renewed bid would be successful.
Watkins, for his part, is open to joining Arsenal – the club he supported as a boy – should the two clubs reach an agreement.
Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal who tabled a shock bid for his services this week
Aston Villa are determined to keep hold of the England star with Jhon Duran nearing a move to Al-Nassr
Mail Sport understands that Mikel Arteta’s side have not given up hope on landing the striker
With Arsenal likely to further strengthen their forward line this summer should a move for Watkins fail this month, this may be the final opportunity for the forward to join the team he followed as child.
If a deal is not possible, Arsenal are monitoring Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, 19, and could launch a move for the Frenchman.
Tel also has interest from Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa.
