Ollie Watkins is wanted by Arsenal after the Gunners saw their first bid rejected (Image: Getty)
may have to break the bank to sign before the January transfer window closes as reports suggest have revealed their huge asking price for the striker.
The title challengers have turned their attention to the England international as looks to sign a regular goalscorer before the transfer deadline on February 3.
Widespread reports suggested , which left Villa furious as it arrived just hours before their Champions League game against Celtic. As a result, their approach was swiftly rejected.
According to the , their opening offer was some way short of £60m and ‘was closer to £45m’, which may explain why Villa turned it down so promptly.
reportedly felt their first proposal for Watkins represented ‘fair market value’ and did not intend to cause any distraction to their counterparts’ preparations.
The same report claims insiders at Villa believe the club value the 29-year-old at around £80m – an amount that would represent the second-highest fee received in the club’s history.
Head coach Unai Emery has made it abundantly clear he does not want to sell the England international, especially with backup striker Jhon Duran leaving to join Al-Nassr for a reported £64m.
But it appears the Gunners have not been put off by their rivals and are considering lodging a second improved bid.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign a striker before the transfer deadline (Image: Getty)
While it seems an irresistible offer would be considered by the club, selling both Watkins and Duran in the final days of the transfer window leave them scrambling to sign a replacement No. 9.
‘s search for a striker has so far failed to produce positive results, with Arteta making no secret of his desire to bring in a new centre forward.
RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko has been strongly linked, while a loan move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been mentioned in recent weeks.
But signing a proven striker looks to be high on Arteta’s priority list, and Watkins fits the bill after scoring 19 goals in the league last season.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants to keep Ollie Watkins (Image: Getty)
The former Brentford frontman may also be keen on the move after previous comments resurfaced where he revealed he would like to play for the north London club at some stage in his career.
When asked in 2020 if it was his dream to play for , Watkins – then at Brentford – replied: “I mean yeah, that’s the dream to play for one day.
“But I know it’s a long shot. It’s only because me and my family support them, but that’s a long-term [goal].”