Multiple reports claim that Arsenal’s original bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was considerably lower than the initial £60m figure put forward.

Mikel Arteta admitted that the injury-riddled north London outfit are “actively looking” for a new forward in January after Gabriel Jesus joined Bukayo Saka in the treatment room. Arsenal have been extensively linked with Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic as well as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but their interest in Watkins has emerged in recent days.

It was revealed on Wednesday evening by the Daily Mail that the Gunners had tabled an undisclosed offer for the England international. Fabrizio Romano quickly followed up that report with the claim that £60m had been suggested and swatted aside.

Aston Villa were said to be “angered” by Arsenal’s lucrative approach for the 29-year-old – a confusing stance which makes more sense since additional clarity has been provided regarding the figure.

The Times claimed that the Gunners originally offered just £40m and were supposedly told that Villa wanted £60m. The Telegraph suggests that Arsenal’s opening salvo was closer to £45m and Unai Emery’s side value Watkins at more than £80m.

Whatever the figure, Villa rebuffed it and are adamant that their number 11 is not for sale.

Jhon Duran, by contrast, is on the verge of completing a €77m (£64.5m) move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr.

Rather than lose Watkins as well as Duran, Villa are seemingly intent on bolstering their frontline. The Champions League high-fliers are chasing Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel and are thought to be interested in Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio according to Romano. Villa are also linked with Chelsea forward Joao Felix.

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