Although Aston Villa is adamant about keeping the England international, Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month.

After being reassured that a successful swoop was feasible, Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that the Gunners had their bid for Watkins rejected.

Despite the knowledge that Villa will not contemplate moving Watkins and his striking partner Jhon Duran in the same window, Arsenal on Thursday still had hope of acquiring the 29-year-old.

Duran is almost certain to sign with Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team.

Arsenal is currently considering a second offer in an attempt to save the deal, but it seems very doubtful that a new offer will succeed if Duran completes his move to the Middle East.

If the two teams can agree, Watkins is willing to join Arsenal, the team he grew up supporting.

This might be Watkins’ last chance to join the team he grew up watching, as Arsenal is expected to bolster their forward line this summer if a trade for the forward doesn’t work out this month.

Arsenal is keeping an eye on 19-year-old Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich and may make a play for the Frenchman if a deal cannot be reached.

Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Aston Villa are also interested in Tel.