Arsenal turn attentions from Matheus Cunha to Aston Villa striker
Arsenal have had a shock bid turned down for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the England international and the club have now moved for the 29-year-old to bolster his forward line.
It is understood Arsenal have made a significant offer for Watkins which was rejected, but an improved attempt is expected with Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Arsenal had been heavily linked with Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, but it seems Arteta has now turned his attentions to the Aston Villa forward.
Villa have completed a deal for Dutch striker Donyell Malen and are being heavily linked with moves for Chelsea duo Axel Disasi and Joao Felix.
Watkins, known to be an Arsenal fan, has scored 10 Premier Leauge goals - including Villa's equaliser at Arsenal earlier this month.
The 29-year-old also has five goals in 18 games for England, including the stunning winner in last season's Euro 2024 semi-final victory.
News of Arsenal's bid for Watkins broke just two hours before Villa's Champions League clash with Celtic.