Arsenal are ready to increase their bid for Ollie Watkins after seeing an opening offer rejected - and Unai Emery has made Aston Villa's position clear.

Arsenal may have to break the bank to sign Ollie Watkins before the January transfer window closes as reports suggest Aston Villa have revealed their huge asking price for the striker.

Arsenal have had an approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins turned down as they try to bring in a new forward before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Aston Villa have rejected a formal offer from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins, sources have told ESPN. Arsenal want to sign a forward before Monday's transfer deadline and are pursuing alternative options after accepting Benjamin Sesko is unlikely to leave Red Bull Leipzig this month.

Unai Emery has said strikers Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins being wanted by other clubs is a sign of Aston Villa’s recent successes. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Jhon Duran is close to a move away from Villa Park with the Aston Villa transfer set to be completed amid links around Arsenal and a move for Ollie Watkins ahead of deadline day

Unai Emery insists he does not want to lose Ollie Watkins and says Aston Villa will be ‘very demanding’ in any possible deal involving the striker after Arsenal’s failed £60m offer. The Gunners launched a stunning move for Watkins in the final week of the January transfer window but saw their opening bid worth £60m knocked back by Aston Villa.