Emery Speaks On Villa Selling Watkins To Arsenal

Unai Emery confirmed that Aston Villa will not be selling Ollie Watkins, despite Arsenal reportedly making a £60 million ($74 million) bid just hours before the England striker played a key role in helping Villa secure their place in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

Villa triumphed 4-2 over Celtic at Villa Park, ensuring automatic qualification with an eighth-place finish in the league.

Despite Celtic equalizing after a brace from Adam Idah, Watkins scored a crucial goal in the second half to put Villa back in the lead.

Although he missed a penalty, Morgan Rogers completed a hat-trick in stoppage time to seal the victory and their progression without a play-off.

Arsenal’s timing of their offer for Watkins, who has scored 11 goals in 32 games this season, was seen as poorly timed by Villa, given the importance of the match.

Reports suggested that Villa rejected Arsenal’s bid, and Emery made it clear that Watkins is not for sale.

When asked about the situation, a frustrated Emery responded, “Watkins is our striker. I know you want to ask about it, but I told you, today is not the day.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal, in need of a striker after Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending knee injury, might face competition for Watkins’ signature, but Villa is determined to keep him.

Emery also suggested that if Jhon Duran, who has largely been a substitute this season, leaves for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, it would likely be for a significant fee, potentially £64 million.

Emery said, “I don’t know if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is, it is good news for us because he is leaving because it is good money.”

Regarding potential transfers, Emery emphasized that until deals are finalized, it’s too soon to comment further.

As for Celtic, despite already securing their spot in the play-off round, they now face the daunting challenge of playing either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, the holders of the competition.

Manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledged the difficulty of facing such top teams but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete.

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