Theo Walcott has made a personal plea to Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins to switch to Arsenal. The Gunners have had a bid rejected already for the Villa ace, but Walcott believes his signing could be key to their title charge. And he reckons there is one huge incentive for the England international to try to force through the move.

Arsenal made an unexpected bid for Aston Villa striker Watkins – who has contributed ten goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances this term – with initial reports claiming they offered £60m but it was revealed yesterday that the bid was more like £45m.