Arsenal have had a significant bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa, with the England striker identified as a priority target by the Gunners.
Reports suggest Arsenal made their approach last week, but Villa have no intention of parting ways with Watkins.
The Midlands club are also bracing for an offer from Al-Nassr for Jhon Durán.
Villa could reluctantly consider selling the Colombian forward if they receive around £80million.
Al-Nassr are thought to be weighing up whether to make a big-money move for Durán after already agreeing to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
However, Villa, who host Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday in a bid to qualify for the last 16, have made it clear they will not entertain the sale of both Durán and Watkins in this window.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will return with an improved offer for Watkins.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been open about his desire to strengthen his attacking options after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. “Ideally we need some help,” Arteta said last week.
“We were short already, and now we are even shorter. The team still copes with that.”
Watkins has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances for Villa this season, including the equaliser in their recent 2-2 draw at Arsenal.
The 29-year-old, who joined from Brentford five years ago, is a boyhood Arsenal fan.
“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day,” Watkins said in 2020.
Despite Durán’s impressive form, especially off the bench this season, Watkins is still regarded as Unai Emery’s first-choice striker.
Watkins has three years remaining on his contract, while Durán, who signed a new deal through 2030 late last year, is also firmly in Villa’s plans.
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