Ollie Watkins faced with personal dilemma as Arsenal step up efforts to sign striker NOW

Ollie Watkins was the subject of an enquiry from Arsenal on Monday, but the Aston Villa forward may feel he’s already missed his chance to sign for his boyhood club

Ollie Watkins could be left with a now or never dilemma over a potential Arsenal transfer.

The Gunners made an enquiry for the Aston Villa striker on Monday which was given short shrift by the Midlands club. Villa’s position is likely to have hardened even further with their other main striker Jhon Duran set for a £70m move to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and they would not sell both.

But Arsenal will not overpay for a 29-year-old and it is unlikely they could now tempt Villa so the chance could have already gone. Villa might have been more willing to sell an older striker than 21-year-old Duran to help balance the books which may explain why Arsenal thought they would see if a deal for Watkins was possible.

But now with the sale of Duran, Watkins “dream” of playing for the club his whole family support may have disappeared. Watkins has spoken in the past of how he wants to “one day” play for Arsenal.

The Gunners will have to evaluate making another offer but they may now be forced to move on both in this window and the summer. Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen in this window and Arsenal are determined to be active to bolster their squad and forward options.

There is still a feeling another deal may be possible and they are working on it but they also want RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the summer with the German club unwilling to do business in January.

They are also in for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, 19, with the French prospect keen to move to get regular game time. Arsenal are pulling out all the stops to make a deal happen but face major Premier League competition from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

They are still in for Norway wonderkid Sverre Nypan with the Rosenberg teenager set to decide with a host of clubs – including Aston Villa and Girona – in for him.

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