Arsenal want to sign a striker before the transfer window shuts and have had an approach turned down for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. The club are also long-term admirers of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko, but neither player will move before the deadline.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to comment on the club’s interest in Ollie Watkins but says the Gunners’ intentions in the closing days of the transfer market are clear as they chase a striker.

Mikel Arteta has said that Arsenal are “actively” looking to identify targets in the January transfer window as he admits the side “ideally need some help”. The Arsenal manager said his opinion on the situation was “clear” after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to hamstring and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta insists the Gunners are doing all they can to add to his squad

Mikel Arteta has remained clear in his belief that Arsenal can achieve something special this season, but actions speak louder than words. And, if Arsenal’s approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins tells us anything, it is that Arteta really does believe there is still plenty to play for.

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal are chasing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after reportedly having a £60million bid turned down. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to have a big squad available to him for the second half of the 2024-25 season, with the Gunners still in three different competitions

According to The Independent, the Gunners have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Tel, who sees his contract at the Allianz Arena expire in June 2029. The report states that the France Under-21 international was already on Arsenal's radar, but higher-ups were left 'surprised' when they heard that he's become available.