The Gunners made an audacious attempt to sign the England international a few days ago but were immediately shut down by the Birmingham club.
Arsenal’s offer was believed to be closer to £40 million than the initially reported £60m, which is now said to be Villa’s ballpark valuation.
The Gunners are expected to return with an improved bid, but even if they match Villa’s demands, the club are unlikely to sanction a January exit.
News of Arsenal’s interest in Watkins was leaked two days after their initial approach, which angered Villa’s senior staff, considering it was just hours before the key Champions League fixture against Celtic.
Jhon Duran is poised to join Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in the coming days, leaving Watkins as Villa’s only out-and-out striker.
The club are determined not to lose both Duran and Watkins in the same transfer window as it would be a massive disasterclass from a sporting point of view.
Watkins is Villa’s top scorer in the Premier League, and Emery claims the striker is “happy to stay” at Villa Park at least until the end of the season.
“The commitment of Watkins with us is a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa,” Emery said (via The Athletic) ahead of Villa’s trip to Molineux Stadium this weekend.
“He appreciates a lot how Aston Villa was always supporting him, helping him.
“Of course when some teams call us being interested in the players, it’s very good for us.
“Some players prefer to leave. Some players accept to be here and commit to us here, and one of them is Ollie Watkins.”
“He’s happy to stay. You can ask him, but we asked him how he’s feeling every day and every year with Aston Villa, and he’s happy here.”
Arsenal may have to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcement before Monday’s deadline.
The Gunners have also been linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
0 Comments