Arsenal would ‘prefer’ to sign two alternative strikers to Ollie Watkins but have ‘panicked’ in the final week of the transfer window, according to former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit. The north London club are considering making a second offer for England international Watkins after seeing their opening £60m bid rejected by Aston Villa.

The Gunners are actively trying to secure the services of the England international striker in the January transfer window and could make a second offer after their opening bid was turned down

Indeed, the higher-ups at Arsenal believe that Ollie Watkins could well be the signings that defines their season. According to The Mail, Arsenal believe that Ollie Watkins could be the signing to ignite their title push. Arsenal currently sit six points behind Liverpool in the title race with the Reds having a game in hand on the Gunners.

Spurs have agreed to sign Manchester City youngster Daniel Batty, while Liverpool are still eyeing Rayan Cherki but could face strong competition. West Ham are busy in the final days of the window, with confidence over Evan Ferguson after a bid for Ricardo Pepi. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip below!

Arsenal have been in the market for a striker for quite some time and one shock name has been linked to send shockwaves through the Premier League

In today's Premier League rumors, Arsenal to bid again for Ollie Watkins, Tyler Dibling linked with Bayern Munich and Steven Gerrard set to leave Al-Ettifaq.

Arsenal have been given a boost in their bid to sign Dusan Vlahovic while one of four further alternatives to Ollie Watkins is ‘very open’ to a move to the Emirates this month.

Mikel Arteta is said to be a long-standing admirer of the England striker, and the Gunners are now working on what would be a stunning swoop ahead of next week's winter transfer deadline. The odds are stacked against Arsenal, given that Watkins has more than three years left to run on his contract and is a key player for Unai Emery.

Arsenal want to sign Matheus Cunha, but it is Aston Villa who are planning to bid for the Wolves forward and also keep Ollie Watkins.

Ollie Watkins has already revealed that Arsenal would be his ‘dream’ transfer destination. The Gunners are reported to have launched a surprise move for the Aston Villa forward in the final week of the January window.

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.