Mikel Arteta responded to reports that Arsenal want to sign Ollie Watkins (Image: X.com/TNT Sports)
has hinted that are chasing striker after reportedly having a £60million bid turned down.
The Gunners saw their opening offer for the England international turned down by Villa, who were said to be furious with their rivals’ decision to submit a bid just hours before their Champions League tie against Celtic.
Arteta has made no secret of his desire to sign a new No. 9 in the January transfer window after losing Gabriel Jesus to a serious knee injury.
And the Spaniard refused to be drawn on his interest in Watkins, only praising his club for attempting to force through a big-money move halfway through the season.
“I can’t talk about any of that,” Arteta tot TNT Sports, when asked about the possibility of Watkins joining this month.
“My confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve. Let’s see what happens.”
Reports persist that the north London side will launch a second bid to test Villa’s resolve, with Watkins apparently keen to link up with the club he has supported since his childhood.
The 29-year-old has bagged 10 goals in 23 appearances this season and is regarded as an important player in Unai Emery’s plans.
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is said to be keen on a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Watkins got himself on the scoresheet for the Villains again after scoring in their 4-2 Champions League victory over Celtic on Wednesday, where Morgan Rogers scored a marvellous hat-trick.
Villa also had Jhon Duran waiting on the bench, as the Colombian edges closer to sealing a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in a £64m deal.
As a contrast, started with no recognised striker in their 2-1 win over Girona, with Leandro Trossard leading the line. came off the bench, but the German has struggled for goals of late.
Duran’s move to the Saudi Pro League could scupper Watkins’ chances of moving to the Emirates, as his transfer will leave Watkins as their only senior striker.
Arsenal beat Girona 2-1 with no striker on the pitch (Image: Getty)
But may test their resolve with an irresistible offer as they look to continue their title charge in the second half of the season.
Former Gunners boss Emery all but confirmed Duran, 21, would be heading for the exit after sealing their progress to the Champions League knockout round.
But the Spaniard was adamant that Watkins would not be leaving, saying: “Watkins is our striker.
“I don’t know if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is, it is good news for us because he is leaving because it is good money. It is for the club, the players and the team. I don’t know if he will leave or not.”