Ollie Watkins has already made 'buzzing' Arsenal admission amid Aston Villa bid decision

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Arsenal may have a good chance of turning the head of striker target Ollie Watkins ahead of the January window closing on Monday night.

Arsenal have turned their attention to Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins in their bid to land a new attacker this month. The Gunners have been searching high and low for a new forward after losing Gabriel Jesus for the season and Bukayo Saka for at least two more months.

Mikel Arteta has been clear about the team’s need for another forward, with Arsenal having already struggled for goals from open play for much of this season.

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A number of strikers have been linked, but out of nowhere, the Gunners made a bid to sign Villa striker Watkins on Wednesday night, and just hours before the England forward was ready to play in the Champions League, going on to score in the game.

With Villa already set to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, the Midlands club rejected the £60million offer, with Fabrizio Romano tweeting: “Aston Villa are determined to reject new approach from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins. Unai Emery wants Ollie to stay and Villa didn’t like amount of first bid (£60m), also timing of the leaks ahead of UCL game. #AVFC are focused on Jhon Durán to be sold to Al Nassr now.”

Watkins is under contract until 2028, meaning Villa have full control over negotiations, and they are not going to want to sell two of their best forwards this month. Arsenal’s biggest hope is for the striker himself to demand a move, and that does not appear likely. Although, Watkins did once admit that he and his family are Arsenal fans.

He once said after scoring against the Gunners: "I'm not sure my grandad or uncle Baz are going to be too happy. They are Arsenal fans and I am an Arsenal fan myself - but I'm buzzing. I am sure they will love it really. I am over the moon." Watkins has been with Villa since 2020, scoring 69 goals in 169 games since arriving from Brentford, racking up 18 England caps and scoring five international goals along the way.

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