A late pivot to focus on the forward line led to an opportunistic attempt to sign Ollie Watkins and discussions over Alvaro Morata

Arsenal remain interested in finalising a deal for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins before the end of Transfer Deadline Day. The Gunners lodged an enquiry to sign Watkins last week, but their initial offer of €48 million (£40m) was immediately rebuffed by Unai Emery’s side.

Arsenal's late interest in signing Ollie Watkins looks likely to be one of the main stories on transfer deadline day. The Gunners reportedly launched a bid in the final days of January, which was promptly rejected by Aston Villa,