Our opinion on the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip, including updates on Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak

Unai Emery, fresh from offloading striker Jhon Duran for £77.5m to Al-Nassr, has confirmed that Ollie Watkins will not be moving to Arsenal before the closure of this transfer window

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has claimed that Ollie Watkins wants to stay at the club, despite significant interest from Arsenal. The England international is a boyhood Gunners fan and rumours of a move to the Emirates Stadium have ramped up following news that Arsenal are planning on submitting a second bid after an initial offer was turned down.

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.

Arsenal’s intention to make another approach to Aston Villa over Ollie Watkins has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa transfer news as Ollie Watkins stance matches Unai Emery's despite Arsenal bid and late January window interest

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.

Unai Emery has confirmed Ollie Watkins has told him he is happy to stay at Aston Villa despite interest from Arsenal with a few days of the winter window remaining.

Arsenal transfer news and opinion as football.london brings you a lowdown on the latest January transfer window