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Aston Villa set stance on Watkins ahead of new Arsenal bid

Aston Villa set stance on Watkins ahead of new Arsenal bid
Aston Villa set stance on Watkins ahead of new Arsenal bid

Aston Villa are set to turn down all offers for Ollie Watkins as Arsenal prepare a new bid for the forward.

Arsenal failed with a £60m offer to sign the England international on Wednesday, an offer Villa rejected. Villa were also unhappy with the timing of the approach from Arsenal, ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Celtic.

Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid as the Gunners seek to sign a striker before the deadline. However, Villa have no intention of selling Watkins who is a key part of Unai Emery’s side.

Watkins scored in Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic that secured a top-eight finish and automatic progress to the Champions League’s Round of 16.

Speaking after that win over the Scottish champions, Emery said: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.

“Every player can be in the market in case it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”

Villa are instead prepared to let Jhon Duran leave this month and have agreed a deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The initial fixed fee for Duran will be €77m (£64m) which could rise with add-ons. A medical has been scheduled for the Colombia international, who has agreed to the transfer in search of more regular football. Duran will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane as part of Stefano Pioli’s squad in the Middle East.

Villa are pushing to bring in a new centre-back and forward before the transfer deadline for Premier League clubs on Monday. The Midlands outfit are in talks with Chelsea over a potential double deal to sign Axel Disasi and Joao Felix.

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