Striker Ollie Watkins has told boss Unai Emery he wants to stay at Aston Villa and reject interest from Arsenal. The Gunners made an approach for the England international on Monday but it was knocked back as Villa have no intention of letting the forward leave.

Ollie Watkins is ‘open’ to joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline if Aston Villa back down and agree a deal with the Gunners. The future of England striker Watkins looks set to be one of the biggest talking points in the final few days of the transfer window after he was the subject of a big-money offer from Arsenal.

Unai Emery has reaffirmed that he doesn't want Ollie Watkins to leave Aston Villa after the club received an official bid from Arsenal.

Despite Aston Villa sealing a Champions League last-16 spot on Wednesday, coach Unai Emery faced questions on the futures of Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins, with the Spaniard adamant he wants to keep one forward,

Unai Emery has said strikers Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins being wanted by other clubs is a sign of Aston Villa’s recent successes. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Aston Villa reject an initial approach from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins and are reportedly considering a Saudi bid for Jhon Duran.

Unai Emery insisted Aston Villa will not sell Ollie Watkins after Arsenal reportedly made a £60 million ($74 million) bid just hours before the England striker helped his team reach the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.