Unai Emery has confirmed that Ollie Watkins is willing to stay away from Arsenal and stay in Aston Villa.
The English international was the subject of a reported offer of 60 million pounds from the Gunners at the beginning of this week, whereby the news broke against Celtic in the Champions League just a few hours before the 4-2 victory on Wednesday evening, a game in which Watkins a penalty achieved.
Since Jhon Duran is £ 64 million to Al Nassr shortly before sealing, the last thing Villa needs for Watkins is to show that he wants it too. But Emery says, after talking to him, the 29-year-old is happy in Villa Park.
Emery said: “Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he felt every day and he is happy here.
“He appreciates a lot how the villa always supported him and helped him when we joined here two years ago, how we worked with him and got the best out of him.
“Now we need him as if he has needed Aston Villa in recent years. I speak a lot with him, he always fits all the circumstances we have, and if some teams who call us are interested in the players, it is very good for us and the players.
“Some players prefer to go and accept others, stay here and deal with our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins. “
The boss has arrived for his #Wolavl Press conference 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/fpya6rdndg
– Aston Villa (@avfcofficial) January 31, 2025
Defensive ensure wolves derby
According to the euphoria of the week, the villa turned back the attention of the Premier League matters with a local battle in wolves.
You will make the short trip to Molineux without defensive duo Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash.
Mings was injured against West Ham last weekend, while cash lasted just 30 minutes after the Celtic game before he rushed.
Emery said: “We will train this afternoon, but Matty Cash is not available, it will be more or less, three or four weeks.
“Tyrone Mings is a little injury, not really bad, but I think he will need a few days to play ready.”
