Ollie Watkins transfer: Aston Villa will not sell striker to Arsenal with fellow forward Jhon Duran set to sign for Al Nassr | Football News

Aston Villa usually are not ready to promote Ollie Watkins to Arsenal with Jhon Duran on the verge of signing for Al Nassr.

Arsenal held talks with Villa over the potential sale of Watkins earlier this week – however Villa don’t need to promote each strikers on this window.

Duran has accomplished a medical in London and can fly to Saudi Arabia by the weekend, leaving Watkins as the one recognised centre-forward on the membership.

Duran’s deal to Al Nassr will have to be accomplished by 8.59pm (UK and Irish time) on Friday because the Saudi Professional League switch window closes then.

Villa had been angered hours earlier than their Champions League match at dwelling to Celtic on Wednesday as stories of Arsenal’s talks for Watkins emerged.

Villa boss Unai Emery was requested about it after the 4-2 win at Villa Park and stated: “I do not need [him to leave].

“It’s excellent news to have a suggestion from different golf equipment, or curiosity, it’s good. However we need to preserve our sporting goal by way of the gamers now we have within the squad.

“Each participant could be out there in case it’s good for the membership, the participant and the staff – however to get this deal after all we’re going to be very demanding as nicely and Watkins is our striker.”

Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta was requested about Watkins after his aspect’s victory over Girona, however didn’t give a lot away. He stated: “I am unable to discuss any of that. My confidence is that now we have a tremendous membership with individuals at all times working to try to enhance.

“Let’s have a look at what occurs.”

The talks for Watkins are believed to have began whereas there was nonetheless some uncertainty about Duran’s departure.

It isn’t clear who initiated contact, however one supply has advised Sky Sports activities Information that the prospect to signal Watkins was proposed to Arsenal.

Arsenal worth him at £40m – however the supply claimed £60m was Villa’s valuation – and the sensation is any potential deal would have required Villa to cut back their valuation.

Arsenal’s long-term curiosity in Watkins stays, however the imminent departure of Duran means he’s now anticipated to stick with Villa.

Arsenal’s focus on this window modified as soon as the severity of Gabriel Jesus’ ACL harm grew to become obvious they usually nonetheless need to signal a brand new ahead.

Watkins, recognized to be an Arsenal fan, is the Premier League’s ninth-top goalscorer this season with 10 objectives – together with Villa’s equaliser at Arsenal earlier this month.

The 29-year-old has 5 objectives in 18 video games for England, together with the winner in final season’s Euro 2024 semi-final victory towards the Netherlands.

When Watkins admitted he dreamed of Arsenal transfer…

Again when Watkins was a Brentford striker within the Championship, he was requested in March 2020 whether or not he would need to be a part of his boyhood membership Arsenal and admitted it was “the dream” to end up on the Emirates.

“Thierry Henry, as an Arsenal fan, was unbelievable to observe. He was my idol rising up,” he advised Sports activities Gazette.

“The dream is to play for Arsenal at some point but it surely’s an extended shot. My household assist them and stuff like that however that is the long run.”

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