Arsenal have had a bid rejected by Aston Villa for England striker Ollie Watkins; Watkins has scored 10 goals in 23 games for Villa in the Premier League this season; Gunners expected to return with improved offer;

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.

Hours before both teams engaged in their UEFA Champions League phase deciders, Arsenal reportedly launched a late bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.