Arsenal chiefs took everyone by surprise on Tuesday by tabling a reported £45million bid for Aston Villa star Watkins, not least of all Villa themselves. The offer was firmly rejected, but at least finally signalled Arteta’s intention to land a proven goalscorer.

Arsenal were actually offered the chance to sign Ollie Watkins for £60m before making a £40m bid for the player.

It has been obvious for months Mikel Arteta has needed to sharpen things in attack and on Monday Arsenal made an approach for Ollie Watkins. It was quickly rebuffed. At 29, Watkins’ signing would mark a departure from Arsenal’s recent strategy of targeting younger players approaching their peak.