Arsenal have made a stunning late swoop for a striker in the January transfer window as they look to bolster their ranks.
The Gunners are hopeful of landing a centre-forward that can improve their goal-scoring chances, having struggled at times during the campaign so far.
Plenty of long-term targets have been mentioned over the past month, though the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak seem unlikely to join before the transfer window closes.
While that comes as a blow to Arsenal, the side are claimed to have made an opening bid for one target.
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Arsenal make bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins
The latest name to be linked with a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium is Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins.
The striker has faced an uncertain time at Villa Park, due to competition from fellow teammate Jhon Duran.
Unai Emery, the current Aston Villa boss, prefers to play with just one striker up front, which has reduced playing time for the pair as they both jostle for the starting shirt.
While Duran has been a target for Arsenal, they appear to have switched their focus to his teammate Watkins instead.
According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners have made an opening bid for the 29-year-old in the hope of landing him in the final days of the January transfer window.
It comes as a slight shock, though Arteta has claimed that the side are working hard to land themselves the right forward for the future.
Fabrizio Romano adds that Aston Villa have rejected the offer, reported to be in the region of £40million-£60million.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will land their man, with time running out in the market.
What Thierry Henry has said about Ollie Watkins amid Arsenal links
If there’s one person who knows what it takes to be a good forward, it’s former Arsenal winger and striker Thierry Henry.
The Frenchman has discussed the Gunners’ transfer target Ollie Watkins, giving some glowing praise on the star.
Speaking on Sky Sports in early 2024, he said: “This is always something that I mention about players, can you also assist?
“We all know that Ollie Watkins can score, but can you add something else to your game?
“Can you come, lay-off the ball to someone?
“Not only are you scoring, we all know that you have that in your locker, so that impresses me.”
Watkins landed plenty of goals and assists in the 2023/24 season, showing just how impressive he can be during his peak years.
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