Unai Emery has confirmed Ollie Watkins is “happy” to stay at Aston Villa after the club rejected a bid from Arsenal for the striker.
Arsenal have had a bid for Watkins knocked back and, with his fellow striker Jhon Duran poised to move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Villa will not allow the England international to also leave before Monday night’s deadline.
Watkins started and scored in the recent 4-2 win against Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, where the forward tapped the badge after celebrating his 11th goal of the season across all competitions in front of the Holte End.
“Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here,” Emery said when asked about Watkins’ future ahead of the game against Wolves, live on Saturday Night Football.
“The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa.
“He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him.”
Emery: Interest in our players is good news
As he did after the win against Celtic, Emery has insisted that other clubs taking an interest in his players is a good thing rather than a negative so close to the end of the window.
“When some teams are calling us being interested in the players, it is good for us and the players.
Saturday 1st February 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
“Some players prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here and commit to Aston Villa and compete for our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins.
“Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa in the last years. The conversation we are having usually is about how he is always adapting to every circumstance.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking in 2020, while at Brentford, Ollie Watkins said his dream as a Gunners fan would be to one day play for Arsenal.
Jhon Duran edges closer to Villa exit
Latest from Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
Villa striker Jhon Duran has completed his Al Nassr medical and is set to fly to Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr are understood to be paying just over £64m (€77m) plus bonuses for the 21-year-old. This deal is seen as an example of a new strategy to develop the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudis are now focused on singing young, developing players. They do not want to be regarded as a retirement home for ageing superstars.
Villa will not part ways with Duran AND Watkins
Latest from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth and Lyall Thomas:
Villa are not prepared to sell Watkins to Arsenal with Duran on the verge of signing for Al Nassr.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol and Dharmesh Sheth provide the latest updates on Arsenal’s bid to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Arsenal held talks with Villa over the potential sale of Watkins earlier this week – but Villa do not want to sell both strikers
