Arsenal see big bid for striker rejected by Premier League rivals – reports | OneFootball

Arsenal have launched a surprise swoop for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins but have seen a bid of around £60m rejected, according to reports.

The Daily Mail say the initial bid has been rejected but that the Gunners are expected to make an improved offer.

Fabrizio Romano says the offer rejected was around £60m.

Watkins has scored ten goals in 23 Premier League games this season and netted 19 in 37 league games last season.

Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has also emerged as a target for Arsenal before the January transfer window shuts, according to reports.

The Independent say the Gunners are “investigating” a move for the 19-year-old, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this month.

Manchester United are another Premier League club interested, the Independent say, with all keen on a loan move with an option to buy the player.

The report adds that the player “fits all Arsenal’s criteria, especially regarding his potential to flourish with a consistent role”.

Sky Sports also say Spurs are interested in Tel.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal are also interested in Atletico Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams, according to the Guardian, with the 22-year-old reportedly having a release clause of €58m in his contract.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven is set to join Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The 18-year-old’s current terms with the Gunners expire at the end of the season and United have swooped for the youngster.

It is the second time United have poached one of Arsenal’s young prospects of late, having snapped up Chido Obi-Martin from the north Londoners last season.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney will be re-joining the Scottish club in the summer.

Tierney joined the Gunners from Celtic back in 2019 but his time at the club has been overshadowed by injury and he is now set to head back north of the border.

Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also trying to sign another of Arsenal’s left-backs, Oleksandr Zinchenko, before the deadline.