It is no secret that Arsenal are keen to add to their attacking options before the January transfer window closes, with the Gunners' attention having seemingly turned to Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins.
Arsenal have reportedly had an initial bid of £60m rejected by Aston Villa for the England international, with the North London club expected to return to the table with an even bigger offer.
We track the latest developments in what could develop into one of the defining storylines of the end of the 2025 January transfer window.
Arsenal's opening bid to Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins was reportedly in the region of £60m.
This offer was swiftly rebuffed by the Villans who appear very reluctant to part with the 29-year-old striker, particularly due to Jhon Duran's imminent move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Reports suggest Arsenal are prepared to lodge a new bid to secure Watkins' services before the January transfer window shuts.
Although aged 29 and perhaps not having too many peak years ahead of him, Ollie Watkins remains one of Aston Villa's most pivotal players and therefore a highly valuable asset.
Strikers do not come cheap, especially those with Watkins' quality and track record in the Premier League.
Contracted at Villa Park until the summer of 2028, it seems unlikely Unai Emery's side would be willing to sell Watkins unless an astronomical offer in the region of £80m - £100m is tabled.
Even before the loss of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to serious injuries, the Arsenal fanbase has long craved fresh blood in attack.
At present, Germany international Kai Havertz appears their sole option to lead the line, with an excessive burden falling on the shoulders of the ex-Chelsea man who is not even an out-and-out striker himself.
Arsenal boss Arteta has now publicly admitted his desire to add to the Gunners' forward line before the end of the January window, with speculation ramping up with regards to the identity of a new recruit.
In Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Arsenal would be signing a player of proven Premier League quality, with the ex-Brentford hitman undoubtedly one of the outstanding strikers in England's top flight in the past couple of seasons.
The 29-year-old is not only a reliable goalscorer - netting 19 Premier League goals last season - the England international represents the complete forward whose general play up front is also elite.
Watkins' ability to bring others into play and create as well as score is underlined by his assists tally of 13 in the Premier League last term.
A mobile, hard-working forward, Watkins would be more than capable of pressing from the front at Arsenal in a similar vein to Havertz, whilst maintaining a ruthless streak in front of goal which appears to be lacking in the German's game.
Having taken his game to a new level under the guidance of Unai Emery, with the Basque boss instructing Watkins to stay more central between the posts, the Englishman would be a readymade game-changer for Arsenal up front should they stump up the required funds to land him.