Watkins has told me he wants to stay at Villa, Emery

Sport

31-01-2025, 21:45

+A -A

INA - SOURCES

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, but it was knocked back as Villa have no intention of letting the forward leave.

Emery said Watkins, who scored in Wednesday's 4-2 Champions League win over Celtic, is expected to stay.

"Yes, he is happy to stay," he said when asked if Watkins had expressed his desire to remain at Villa Park.

"You can ask him, but we asked him how he is feeling every day, every year he has been here with Aston Villa, with us and without us."

Watkins, 29, has 81 goals in 201 appearances for Villa since joining from Brentford for £28m in 2020.

"The commitment of Ollie Watkins with us is a huge commitment. He appreciates a lot how Aston Villa was always supporting him, helping him, and when we, the current coaching staff, joined him here two years ago, how we worked with him, always trying to get the best of him."