Arsenal have reportedly failed with a surprise bid to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

The Gunners are keen to bring in a new forward before Monday's transfer deadline to aid their Premier League title bid.

Mikel Arteta has been left with Kai Havertz as his only senior centre-forward option after Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious knee injury earlier this month.

Arsenal have been linked with a potential move for Matheus Cunha, with Wolverhampton Wanderers bracing themselves for transfer offers before the window slams shut on Monday.

However, it seems that the Gunners are turning their focus to another Midlands club in their search for a new striker.

Aston Villa reject Arsenal's Watkins bid

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have tabled a surprise transfer bid for Watkins in the region of £60m.

Villa have rejected Arsenal's official proposal and are 'not happy' with the timing of the offer ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic.

Watkins has been named in Unai Emery's starting lineup despite being the subject of Arsenal's audacious bid to secure his signature.

Villa are already at risk of losing one striker, with Jhon Duran said to be in talks over a potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Will Arsenal return with a new offer?

While Arsenal have failed with their first proposal, Sky Sports News are reporting that they have not given up hope of prising Watkins away from Villa Park.

The report states that the Gunners are likely to make an 'improved offer' before the transfer window closes on February 3.

However, Villa are standing firm that they are not willing to sell the England international, meaning that Arsenal have their work cut out to strike a deal in the current transfer window.

Villa are under no immediate pressure to entertain transfer offers, with Watkins under contract until the summer of 2028.

Watkins remains a crucial part of Emery's side, having scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 23 top-flight appearances this season.

Incidentally, the 29-year-old scored his most recent Premier League goal in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on January 18.