Arsenal saw a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa on Thursday, with Mikel Arteta refusing to rule out a move for the striker before the end of the January window

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

Ollie Watkins has already revealed that Arsenal would be his ‘dream’ transfer destination. The Gunners are reported to have launched a surprise move for the Aston Villa forward in the final week of the January window.

Mikel Arteta has remained clear in his belief that Arsenal can achieve something special this season, but actions speak louder than words. And, if Arsenal’s approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins tells us anything, it is that Arteta really does believe there is still plenty to play for.

Arsenal would ‘prefer’ to sign two alternative strikers to Ollie Watkins but have ‘panicked’ in the final week of the transfer window, according to former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit. The north London club are considering making a second offer for England international Watkins after seeing their opening £60m bid rejected by Aston Villa.

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.

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