‘Arsenal have also been considering another move for Watkins, having first approached Villa on Monday. That enquiry left the London club with the understanding that the forward may be available for a certain price, although there was at that point a difference of at least £20m in valuation.

Arsenal will decide whether to sign a top Serie A striker - or wait for the summer to try again for Ollie Watkins after his true thoughts were revealed.

Arsenal have made a shock offer for Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins in the final week of the January transfer window. Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker before the winter window closes on Monday night after losing Gabriel Jesus to a season-ending injury earlier in the month.