Ollie Watkins emerged as a late transfer window target for Arsenal, who have been relying on the goals and continued presence of Kai Havertz.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the traits he is looking for in a striker having seen a bid for Ollie Watkins rejected in the transfer window. It is claimed the Gunners offered £40m for the Aston Villa forward, well below Villa’s valuation and complicated by the fact they were in the process of selling and trying to replace Jhon Duran.

Arsenal remain interested in finalising a deal for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins before the end of Transfer Deadline Day. The Gunners lodged an enquiry to sign Watkins last week, but their initial offer of €48 million (£40m) was immediately rebuffed by Unai Emery’s side.