Arsenal made an unexpected bid for Aston Villa striker Watkins – who has contributed ten goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances this term – with initial reports claiming they offered £60m but it was revealed yesterday that the bid was more like £45m.

Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association for surrounding referee Michael Oliver in the win over Wolves. It came in the aftermath of Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving a red card in the clash, which was eventually overturned. Arsenal have a few days to give a response to the charge before an independent commission reviews the situation.

Arsenal want to sign Matheus Cunha, but it is Aston Villa who are planning to bid for the Wolves forward and also keep Ollie Watkins.