Aston Villa transfer ‘discussed’ by Arsenal hierarchy ahead of deadline day

Arsenal have ‘discussed’ the possibility of signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the final days of the transfer window, according to reports.

The Gunners have been targeting a striker throughout the January transfer window and were heavily linked with a move for Fiorentina frontman Dusan Vlahovic who has since joined Juventus.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his attacking options this month amid doubts over the future of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang after the Gabon international was stripped of the captaincy earlier this season, and Eddie Nketiah, who has been tentatively linked with a move to Villa.

As reported by ESPN , Villa striker Ollie Watkins is among the players to have been ‘discussed’ by Arsenal this month, along with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

However, the report says that the Gunners face a ‘uphill task’ in convincing any of the clubs to part ways with their players in the final days of the transfer window.

Clubs have until 11pm on Monday night to complete January deals.

Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has 18-months remaining on his deal at Villa Park.

Steven Gerrard is keen to open contract talks with the Brazilian in order to ensure that his future remains at Villa.

Watkins has been a regular starter for Villa this season, despite the summer arrival of Danny Ings, who signed from Southampton during the close season.

Watkins has scored five goals and provided one assist in his 19 appearances in all competitions this campaign after finding the net of 16 occasions in his first Premier League season after moving from Brentford.