Mikel Arteta questioned over Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins after failed striker bid

It emerged prior to Villa's Champions League clash against Celtic on Wednesday that the Gunners had seen a bid for Watkins turned down.

Arsenal are in the market for a striker and have turned their attention to the Villa front man, who has bagged ten goals in 23 games for Villa in the Premier League this season.

Unai Emery has insisted Watkins is not for sale - with fellow Villa striker Jhon Duran set to complete a big money move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia before the end of the transfer window.

Arteta was asked about the rejected bid in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's clash with Man City this weekend.

The Arsenal boss said: "I'm not going to talk about any individuals, we're actively looking to find a solution in that position and we'll see what the market brings.

"We have the ambition and purpose to try to help the team, support the squad to be better and to finish the season strongly. We're actively trying to do that."

It has been reported that Arsenal are considering a second bid for Watkins, however Villa boss Emery has continued to reiterate that the England striker is not for sale this month.