Aston Villa refuses to sell Ollie Watkins despite Arsenal's interest
- Unai Emery insists on keeping Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa amid interest from Arsenal, which included a £60 million offer.
- Jhon Duran is likely set to join Al Nassr, with Emery acknowledging it could be a beneficial deal for the club.
- Aston Villa's transfer situation highlights the balance between retaining key players and managing potential sales.
In late January 2025, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed his determination to retain striker Ollie Watkins despite receiving substantial transfer interest from Arsenal. A reported £60 million bid was rejected as Emery affirmed that Watkins is a key player for the team and emphasized that they would demand a high price if they were to consider a sale. Just hours after the news broke about Arsenal's bid, Watkins scored in a crucial Champions League match against Celtic, which secured Villa's progression to the last-16 stage. His performance continues to showcase his importance to Villa's ambitions. In contrast, fellow striker Jhon Duran is on the verge of leaving the club to join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. Emery noted that Duran's potential exit could be beneficial for the club, labeling the prospective deal as good money for a young talent developed within Villa. The Colombian was spotted bidding farewell to fans after being an unused substitute in the recent match against Celtic, suggesting that he is prepared for a new chapter in his career. Emery reiterated the club's goal to maintain a strong squad while navigating the transfer market intelligently. He acknowledged the dynamic nature of player transactions, noting that every player might be considered for transfer, provided it aligns with the club's interests and the player's ambition. His focus remains on building a competitive team capable of achieving their sporting objectives. Overall, Aston Villa faces a pivotal moment as they balance the desire to retain top talent like Watkins while also managing the potential departure of young prospects like Duran. The situation highlights the challenges managers face during the transfer window as clubs look to strengthen their squads and meet their long-term goals.