Arsenal have made a surprise bid for striker Ollie Watkins, but Aston Villa have turned down an initial approach from their Premier League rivals.

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Arsenal launch bid to sign WatkinsAston Villa turned down an approachGunners in need of a new strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mikel Arteta is an admirer of the England international and the Gunners are in the market for a new striker during the January transfer window. The north London team have had a first bid rejected by Villa, the reports, and while an improved offer is expected, Villa are not willing to let him go. According to , Villa have been angered by the timing of the bid which is said to be worth around £60 million ($75m) with the news breaking ahead of the team's Champions League clash against Celtic on

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The 29-year-old has been a vital player for Unai Emery's side, scoring 10 goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season, and he remains contracted to the club until 2028. However, the forward grew up as an Arsenal fan and revealed in 2020 that his "dream" is to join the club.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

Gunners coach Arteta suggested the club are working on bringing in a new attacking option after Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

"We lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. We lack goals, we lack people and we lack options. It’s clear," he told reporters last week. "If we can get the right player that’s why we are actively looking at it. We are working on it, yes. Any player? No. Someone who makes us better. We need some help."

AFPWHAT NEXT?

With Jesus out for the rest of the season and star winger Saka still injured, Arteta is determined to bring in a new forward as his side look to catch up with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.