Arsenal are ready to increase their bid for Ollie Watkins after seeing an opening offer for the England striker rejected by an angry Aston Villa on Wednesday evening – but Unai Emery intends to stand firm over the player and with Mikel Arteta also issuing a small update on the chase.

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.

Arsenal have turned their attention to Ollie Watkins as they try and secure January reinforcements for Mikel Arteta's attack. Villa have rejected a bid from the Gunners for their striker with the end of the winter transfer window looming less than a week away.