Arsenal had to go down their transfer pecking order before deciding to launch a bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins according to former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit

Marrying his attacking and creative attributes together, Watkins’ off-ball running is also a key part of his wider contribution to his team going forward. Across the Premier League, he is one of the men most likely to stretch the opposition’s defensive line with his intelligent movement.

Arsenal have made a bid for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as they look to land a striker in the final days of the transfer window - but Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have remained tight lipped

A boyhood Arsenal fan, Watkins would no doubt be interested in the move, but with Jhon Duran swapping Villa Park for Saudi Arabia, a deal does seem unlikely. However, in case Villa’s hand is forced and the 28-year-old does get his dream transfer, here are just three possible ways Mikel Arteta could set his team up with a new striker in the ranks.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: "Things are going well. We won the last four games in the Champions League and winning in this competition is very demanding. "But overall the team has been very consistent,

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Arsenal transfer news as football.london writers debate Ollie Watkins' proposed move from Aston Villa to Arsenal

Arsenal are interested in bringing in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before the transfer window shuts.The Daily Mail say the Gunners will go back in with an improved offer after seeing their

Arsenal were persuaded to lodge a bid for Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins as they go in search of fresh firepower

Ollie Watkins has been subject of interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal with Mikel Arteta keen to sign an attacker in the final days of the transfer window