Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker is reaching boiling point, and Paul Merson has subsequently hit out at the club’s move for Ollie Watkins. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus sidelined with serious injuries for extended periods, the Gunners are in need of at least one forward addition in what remains of the transfer window.

Transfer news LIVE!Arsenal look to have received a major boost over Ollie Watkins as they push for a massive striker deal before Monday’s transfer deadline. The Gunners have seen an opening bid snubbed by Aston Villa,

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 have had a bid rejected by Aston Villa for England striker Ollie Watkins; Watkins has scored 10 goals in 23 games for Villa in the Premier League this season; Gunners expected to return with improved offer;

Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Watkins and has turned to the England international as he looks for attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline. Arsenal are expected to make a second, improved offer for Watkins but Aston Villa boss Emery has no intention of losing him.

And if the move goes through, Arsenal 's chances of securing Watkins may go up in smoke. The one sign of encouragement for Emirates chiefs is Al-Nassr's ongoing pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.

Aston Villa rejected a bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins; Jhon Duran set to complete move to Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr in coming days which would leave Watkins as only striker at Villa; Watkins has scored 10 goals in 23 games for Villa in the Premier League this season.

MIKEL ARTETA says he cannot promise fans that Arsenal will sign a striker before the January deadline. But the Gunners boss has assured them the club are “actively” working on bringing someone in,

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to face the press at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Manchester City

Arsenal scored twice to come from behind and defeat Girona 2-1 to secure their place in the Champions League round of 16.

Amid rumours linking Arsenal with move to sign Ollie Watkins, Gunners legend Martin Keown makes bold claim about potential transfer