Villa block Arsenal's Ollie Watkins move, eyeing Wolves' Matheus Cunha

Arsenal, in dire need of a new forward due to Gabriel Jesus's injury and Kai Havertz's dip in goal-scoring form, made an initial bid for Watkins.

However, Villa have firmly rejected this offer, with manager Unai Emery indicating, "Watkins is our striker, and we are focused on keeping our squad strong."

The Gunners, who are currently six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with a game in hand and have advanced to the Champions League's Round of 16, are desperate for firepower to challenge for major silverware.

Despite Villa's stance, sources suggest Arsenal might table an improved bid for the England international, whose valuation by Villa exceeds 80 million pounds.

Meanwhile, Villa are not just standing guard over Watkins; they are actively looking to bolster their attack, with Wolves' 25-year-old Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, who has 10 goals in 20 Premier League starts this season, reportedly on their radar.

According to transfer expert Fraser Fletcher, "Cunha is ready to leave Wolves in the January window." However, Wolves are engaged in contract renewal talks with Cunha, although an offer in the region of 60 million pounds might sway them.

Villa's interest in Cunha comes as they prepare to finalize a 65 million pound deal to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, indicating their intent to use the funds to enhance their squad further.

Villa see Cunha as an ideal complement to Watkins, aiming to secure a spot in the Premier League's top four for another season.

On the other hand, Arsenal are not putting all their eggs in one basket and, should their pursuit of Watkins fall through, have their sights set on Juventus' Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, who might be available due to the Seria A giants' readiness to offload him mid-season.

Additionally, Arsenal's transfer strategy includes long-term planning, with a reported deal in place for Real Sociedad's midfielder Martin Zubimendi for the summer of 2025.

However, this plan might be disrupted as Real Madrid have also shown interest, with Sociedad setting a release clause at 70 million euros.

This transfer window could see significant action, with Villa and Arsenal at the heart of some intriguing transfer battles. Both clubs, having reached the last-16 of the Champions League, are looking to strengthen their squads to compete at the highest levels.

READ: Ethan Nwaneri shines in Arsenal's victory over Girona