Arsenal keen on signing Aston Villa striker?

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as a  replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international was recently dropped for a disciplinary breach, and has not been picked for the past six games.

He is now with his country for the African Cup of Nations, but ESPN claims that his future with the Gunners remains in doubt.

The Gunners are unlikely to entertain his mid-season exit, but are seriously considering selling him at the end of the campaign.

They are lining up potential replacements and it is reported that Watkins is one of the prime transfer targets for manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta is a huge admirer of the England international, who has netted 19 Premier League goals since joining the Villans last year.

The 26-year-old is capable of playing out wide or as the main striker, and this is an attribute that is preferred by the Gunners boss.

Watkins could cost in upwards of £50m next summer. The Villans have no plans of sanctioning his sale at the halfway stage of the season.