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'Watkins is our striker' - Emery reacts to Villa's evening of transfer speculation

Arsenal target Ollie Watkins is “happy to stay” at Aston Villa after Jhon Duran was sold to Saudi club Al-Nassr in a £64m deal before the transfer deadline.

The Gunners were preparing a spectacular second bid the England international after an an opening offer was rejected, with Arsenal desperate to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline. But Duran’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr may end Arsenal’s hopes as Aston Villa are unlikely to sell both strikers this month.

Meanwhile, Mathys Tel has sent Premier League clubs into a frenzy but telling Bayern Munich that he wants to leave. Tottenham have agreed a £50m deal, according to reports, but Manchester United believe they hold an advantage that could prove decisive in the race with Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.

That may depend on selling Alejandro Garnacho, however, with United setting Chelsea a new price for the 20-year-old Argentina winger. Marcus Rashford is also searching for a move away from Old Trafford, but only one club looks like a possible option this January.

Latest on Alejandro Garnacho

Those close to Alejandro Garnacho maintain that the winger is preparing to leave Old Trafford this weekend, but there may yet be a battle for his signing.

Napoli have had interest but would need to significantly raise their valuation of £38m, closer to United's £70m.

Chelsea have long been interested, but sources close to the situation say there is still considerable negotiation.

It is understood that the possibility of one of Chelsea's younger players - such as Joshua Acheampong - going in the other direction has also been raised.

Miguel Delaney1 February 2025 08:05

UPDATE: Ollie Watkins 'happy to stay' at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins is “happy to stay” at the club after Arsenal saw an opening bid rejected this week.

“He is happy to stay,” Emery said. “We asked him how he is feeling every day and year he is being here with Villa and he is happy here.

"The commitment of Ollie Watkins with us is a huge commitment. He appreciates a lot how Villa was always supporting him and helping him, when we joined here two years ago how we were working with him and getting the best of him.

"Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa in the last years. I am speaking with him a lot, he is always adapting with every circumstances we have and of course when some teams calling us being interested in the players it’s very good for us and the players.

"Some players prefer to leave and some accept to stay here and commit with our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins."

Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins stance amid Arsenal interest

Watkins was the subject of a rejected offer from Arsenal earlier this week, reported to be £60m

Jamie Braidwood1 February 2025 07:31