Arsenal interested in Watford captain Troy Deeney?

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make a surprise move for Watford captain Troy Deeney this month.

The 27-year-old's six league strikes have helped the Hornets in their stealthy ascent up the Premier League table, with an impressive return of 29 points from their opening 20 games back in the top flight.

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering launching a £20m bid for the striker as he looks to add firepower to his title-challenging side in the second half of the campaign.

Speaking about transfer interest in prolific strike partner Odion Ighalo last week, Deeney suggested that the mathematics of staying in the Premier League meant that it would not make financial sense for his side to sell off prize assets in the winter window.

"The value of selling Odion for, what would he be worth? £20m, £25m?" he said. "Or staying up and getting £200m? Simple business maths, [we're] not going to sell him."

Deeney is now into his sixth season with the North Londoners and signed a new five-year contract last summer.