Arsenal want to sign a striker before the transfer window shuts and have had an approach turned down for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. The club are also long-term admirers of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko, but neither player will move before the deadline.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta insists the Gunners are doing all they can to add to his squad

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to comment on the club’s interest in Ollie Watkins but says the Gunners’ intentions in the closing days of the transfer market are clear as they chase a striker.