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Unai Emery insists 'the moment was not right' for Aston Villa transfer

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
-Credit:Getty Images


Unai Emery is delighted Ollie Watkins realises that Aston Villa is the best place for him to play his football at this moment in his career after the striker told the Spaniard he was happy to stay at the club amid interest from Arsenal.

It's well known that Watkins grew up an Arsenal fan and idolised Thierry Henry, but he hasn't kicked up a fuss after Villa rebuffed the Gunners' approaches to sign him this month. On Monday, Arsenal made an offer of £45m for Watkins, which was quickly rejected by Villa who had no interest in parting with their talisman, especially as Jhon Duran closed in on a move to Al-Nassr.

The 29-year-old showed no signs of his head being turned by Arsenal's interest earlier in the week as he scored on goal and provided another two in the 4-2 win over Celtic on Wednesday night.

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"Every professional has our own ambitions in our career, but there are also moments like this in our career," Emery explained on Friday. "We have been successful in our two years here but the ambition of the club continues and we want an even better future.

"We have to be good professionals, honest and respectful of the club. Of course some players can leave and improve, but you have to identify when is the moment to do it. And now the moment was not right for Watkins, who extended his contract one year ago, on improved terms.

"He is achieving his objectives here, like getting in the national team. He is proud of how he is improving and we are proud of how we are improving. We must think about what is best for him, best for the club, best for the team.

"The important player, and mature player and honest player usually accept that. For example, Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers, Watkins, their commitment here is a huge commitment to Aston Villa.

"We have to try to get the best out of them, so that collectively we can reach our targets. Maybe they can leave at some point in their career. But for now, in this moment, the best place for them is here."

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