Aston Villa make a statement on Ollie Watkins joining Arsenal

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made a firm statement regarding the future of Arsenal transfer target Ollie Watkins. Speaking to the media, Emery emphasized his desire to keep the prolific striker at Villa Park, despite reported interest from the Gunners.

When asked about the possibility of selling Watkins, Emery was clear in his stance:

“I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad,” Emery stated.

His comments suggest that while Villa acknowledge the growing interest in their star forward, they are not actively looking to sell.

Villa to Demand a High Price If They Sell

Despite his insistence on keeping Watkins, Emery also acknowledged the realities of the transfer market. He admitted that every player has a price, stating:

“Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal, we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”

This statement leaves the door open for negotiations but makes it clear that Villa will not part ways with the England international cheaply.

Arsenal have been linked with Watkins for several weeks as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options before the transfer deadline. With the Gunners in the hunt for a reliable goal scorer, Watkins has emerged as a top target due to his impressive Premier League performances.

The 29-year-old striker has been in excellent form this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists in the league. His ability to lead the line, press defenders, and contribute in build-up play makes him an attractive option for Arsenal.

However, with Aston Villa reluctant to sell and demanding a significant fee, Arsenal face a tough battle to secure his signature.

With Emery making it clear that Villa will not let Watkins go easily, Arsenal may have to reconsider their approach. The Gunners could be forced to either meet Villa’s high asking price or turn their attention to alternative targets before the transfer window closes.

The situation remains fluid, and Arsenal’s next move could determine whether a deal is possible. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Arteta and Edu to see if they push forward with an official bid for Watkins or shift focus elsewhere.

For now, Aston Villa are holding firm, and Watkins remains their key man.