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Ollie Watkins breaks silence with 'special' Aston Villa message after Arsenal bid

Ollie Watkins
-Credit:Cameron Smith - Danehouse/Getty Images


Ollie Watkins has spoken for the first time since Aston Villa rejected a bid from Arsenal.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a target for Mikel Arteta earlier this week as he looks to bolster his attacking options before the transfer window closes on February 3. Watkins started for Villa in their 4-2 win over Celtic on Wednesday night and grabbed his first goal of the competition after initially missing a penalty.

In an attempt to unsettle the club ahead of what was a crucial game for Unai Emery's side, Arsenal presented a bid for the England striker and Birmingham Live understands that Villa were left furious by the timing. Another offer is anticipated before the Monday night's deadline.

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However, the possibility of Watkins leaving Villa Park this winter has been put into doubt following reports that Jhon Duran is set to undergo a medical at Al-Nassr. The two clubs have reportedly agreed a fee of €77million (£64m) plus add-ons for the 21-year-old.

Taking to Instagram after the game, Watkins wrote: "Buzzing to qualify in top 8 of the UCL. Special night for this special club. (Groundsman is getting the sack *laughing face*)." Inevitably, the post prompted hundreds of comments from Villa supporters asking the striker to stay.

When asked about Arsenal's interest, Emery told TNT Sports: "I know you want to ask, I repeat what I told you: today is not the day."

Watkins' performances have not gone unnoticed under Unai Emery. He has scored 69 goals for the club since joining in 2020 and is now only six away from breaking the club's all-time Premier League goals record which is currently held by Gabby Agbonlahor.