Arsenal have had their shock £60 million bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins rejected but are reportedly desperately preparing a second bid for the England international striker.
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The Gunners manager, Mikel Arteta, has been reported to be a long-time admirer of the England international, and the Gunners are keen to pull off the swoop for the England striker before the end of the transfer deadline on February 3.
According to the Daily Mail reports, it is understood Arsenal has made an initial offer for Watkins, which has been rejected, but an improved attempt is expected.
The 29-year-old forward has more than three years left to run on his contract and is a key player for Unai Emery, but a move to Emirates Stadium could be imminent. During Watkins's spell at Brentford in 2020, the forward admitted he grew up as an Arsenal fan.
Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 for a then-club record £28 million and has since then made 169 appearances for Aston Villa in the Premier League, scoring 69 in the league.
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