Mikel Arteta refused to comment on Arsenal's interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins but admits the club are working hard to bring in a striker before the end of the January transfer window.

The Gunners have seen a bid for Watkins rejected, with Aston Villa determined not to sell the 29-year-old as Jhon Duran nears a switch to Saudi Arabia.

"I’m not going to talk about any individuals," said Arteta at his press conference on Friday. "We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.

"I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.

"We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties."

Arteta was also asked whether they are targeting an experienced player or a younger individual who can develop at the club.

"We don’t really look at the market in those terms," he said. "We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background.

"It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time."