could have been using a player for Arsenal if the January transfer window had taken a different turn. Marco Asensio, the PSG attacking midfielder, made a last-minute loan move to Aston Villa and has since become a sensation in the Midlands. The 29-year-old was eligible to play for Villa in the Champions League quarter-final against his parent club due to UEFA rules differing from those of the Premier League.

The Premier League regulations prohibit a loaned player from playing against their parent club to avoid potential integrity breaches and moral code violations. Despite coming on as a substitute in both matches, the Spanish international, formerly of Real Madrid, couldn't prevent his current team from being eliminated. However, things could have turned out differently - Asensio could have been playing for Arsenal in the semi-finals.

Arteta had been tracking Asensio throughout January, aware of the versatile forward's possible availability due to his lack of game time at PSG and desire for more minutes to regain his form. maintained their interest, and Asensio also held back to consider his options before finally choosing Villa, who made strong advances with manager Unai Emery playing a crucial role.

held back because they were also interested in Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they sought to strengthen their squad. According to , they were offered Watkins in January as Villa aimed to balance their finances and offload a striker.

However, it was Jhon Duran who eventually made the move to the Saudi Pro League. Arteta has shown a keen interest in Watkins and admires his skills, even though a deal this summer seems unlikely.

are now eyeing players like Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko after putting all their hopes on Watkins in January and missing out on other targets.

Arteta is also a big fan of Asensio, and this wasn't the first time Arsenal have considered him and been alerted to his potential availability.

But they hesitated too long on Asensio - and ultimately missed out, which arguably affected their title hopes as they lacked firepower with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both sidelined due to injuries.

Reports suggest that Villa could secure Asensio for a bargain £13m in the summer, and his class and performances have been a standout for Emery's team in recent months.