Aston Villa manager Unai Emery shared an interesting update on Ollie Watkins’ transfer status amid Arsenal interest.
As Mikel Arteta searches for a new forward, Arsenal are heating up their pursuit of a striker before deadline day.
The Gunners have been linked to Mathys Tel as well as Premier League talisman Ollie Watkins.
Arsenal launched a £60m bid for Watkins a week before the deadline, with the North Londoners’ desire to sign the player made clear.
- READ MORE: Martin Keown makes ‘interesting’ Ollie Watkins transfer claim as Arsenal chase Aston Villa striker
Unai Emery comments on Ollie Watkins transfer status
As the news of Arsenal’s interest in the striker broke, Unai Emery surprised many as Watkins was named in Villa’s starting lineup to face Celtic.
The Englishman scored at Villa Park during the Villans’ Champions League victory, showing no sign of distraction amid transfer interest from the club he supports.
Villa were not happy with Arsenal’s approach for Watkins, which was mildly echoed by Emery in his post-match press conference when talking to reporters.
“I don’t want him to be sold. It’s good news to have offers from other clubs,” the former Arsenal manager said.
What followed was quite surprising from Emery, as the Villa boss hinted that a deal could be struck for Watkins if the Midlands club’s demands were met.
“Every player can be in the market in case it’s good for the player, club and the team. But to get this deal, of course, we are going to be very demanding and Watkins is our striker.”
The manager’s response was somewhat unexpected, as Villa are expected to offload fellow Arsenal target Jhon Duran this month.
Watkins to Arsenal would strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attack
Watkins has split opinion in the Arsenal fanbase, with the forward being a seasoned Premier League goalscorer but, is already 29 years old.
When revising what the Gunners need, age aside, the England international certainly fits the bill, being an out-and-out number nine and, a talent that could immediately adapt.
| Season | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 10 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | 19 | 13 |
| 2022/23 | 15 | 6 |
| 2021/22 | 11 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | 14 | 5 |
| Total | 69 | 31 |
Villa would be risking losing both of their strikers this winter if they were to give Arsenal a chance of signing Watkins, making the transfer situation puzzling.
Emery admitted that he doesn’t want to see Watkins leave but, the Spaniard equally did not deny that his player could depart.
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