Arsenal have launched a surprise £60million bid to sign striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa this month and the Midlands side have been left fuming by the timing of the approach

Watkins' preferred destination should a club decide to meet his substantial price tag would be Arsenal. Being a lifelong supporter of the Gunners, the possibility of a transfer to his cherished team could prove exciting for Watkins and his family - who have been hopeful of an Emirates Stadium switch before.

Aston Villa have rejected a bid from Arsenal for striker Ollie Watkins. The Gunners have stepped up their search for a frontman in the January transfer window by turning their attention to England international Watkins,