Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was keen to sign Ollie Watkins during the January transfer window but was ultimately denied by the financial decision-makers above him. New reports have cast light on Arteta's influence on transfers at the Emirates after the Gunners failed to recruit any new players in the winter window.

Mikel Arteta's need for a new centre-forward has become more urgent than ever and while Benjamin Sesko remains Arsenal's first choice they will be looking at some other alternatives

Arsenal are understood to be considering the future of four players ahead of the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to oversee a major squad overhaul