Arsenal would ‘prefer’ to sign two alternative strikers to Ollie Watkins but have ‘panicked’ in the final week of the transfer window, according to former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit. The north London club are considering making a second offer for England international Watkins after seeing their opening £60m bid rejected by Aston Villa.

Arsenal may have to break the bank to sign Ollie Watkins before the January transfer window closes as reports suggest Aston Villa have revealed their huge asking price for the striker.