Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has spoken out for the first time since reports of Arsenal's opening offer being rejected emerged. The forward was understood to be subject of a bid worth in the region of £60m.

Reports have stated that Villa turned the bid down from the Gunners but another offer is anticipated before the January transfer window closes on Monday night.

Doubts over the possibility of the move emerged on Wednesday night following a breakthrough in Jhon Duran's €77million (£64.4m) move to Al-Nassr. The striker, who has been linked with moves to Chelsea this month, is expected to sign a long-term deal in Saudi Arabia meaning a move for Watkins is unlikely.

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On Wednesday night, Watkins started and helped Villa secure their spot in the top eight of the Champions League. He scored the third goal in the 4-2 victory before slipping and missing a penalty and assisting Morgan Rogers' hat-trick goal in injury-time.

Following the win, Watkins took to Instagram to break his silence after a manic couple of hours. "Buzzing to qualify in top 8 of the UCL," he wrote. "Special night for this special club. (Groundsman is getting the sack *laughing face*)."

The comments section was flooded Villa fans pleading with the England international to stay at Villa Park. There were also a number of comments from Arsenal supporters.

Elsewhere, Mathys Tel could be one player the Gunners take a serious look at. The Bayern Munich star may have played his last game for the club on Wednesday with the 19-year-old admitting he didn't know if he would feature for Vincent Kompany's team again.