Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has said Ollie Watkins is "happy to stay" at the club following Arsenal's bid for the striker.

Arsenal have turned their attention to Ollie Watkins as they try and secure January reinforcements for Mikel Arteta's attack. Villa have rejected a bid from the Gunners for their striker with the end of the winter transfer window looming less than a week away.

Arsenal, which has faced problems in the forward line due to the lack of sharpness from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, sees Watkins as an ideal solution to boost their attack. However, Aston Villa, who recently loaned Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr, is not willing to lose another key attacker in the middle of the season.

Arsenal would have to pay over £80m if they want to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa before the transfer window closes.

Hours before both teams engaged in their UEFA Champions League phase deciders, Arsenal reportedly launched a late bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Marrying his attacking and creative attributes together, Watkins’ off-ball running is also a key part of his wider contribution to his team going forward. Across the Premier League, he is one of the men most likely to stretch the opposition’s defensive line with his intelligent movement.

LONDON, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins proved a thorn in Arsenal's side yet again as he completed his side's comeback with the equaliser in a 2-2 draw that damaged the London ...

Ollie Watkins has surprisingly suggested that Arsenal were hard done by in seeing their third goal chalked off for a handball in Saturday's thrilling 2-2 draw. The Gunners took the lead through ...

Arsenal's bid for Ollie Watkins so late in the January transfer window shows a lack of forward planning at the North London club.

Mikel Arteta has remained clear in his belief that Arsenal can achieve something special this season, but actions speak louder than words. And, if Arsenal’s approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins tells us anything, it is that Arteta really does believe there is still plenty to play for.

Aston Villa transfer news as Ollie Watkins stance matches Unai Emery's despite Arsenal bid and late January window interest