Unai Emery responds to Ollie Watkins question amid Arsenal and Chelsea transfer speculation

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reiterated the situation surrounding star striker Ollie Watkins amid interest from fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea.

It was claimed on Tuesday that Gunners sporting director Edu has already entered talks with Watkins’ agent Paulo Vernazza, whereas the Blues are said to hold an interest.

The seven-time England international forward scored his first Premier League goal of the season on Sunday as Villa edged past Chelsea by one goal to nil at Stamford Bridge.

Watkins was clinical to secure all three points for the men in claret and blue but the striker at the other end, Nicolas Jackson, missed a handful of clear-cut opportunities.

Whether that particular encounter has boosted Chelsea’s interest in Watkins awaits to be seen, but Emery and Villa won’t care as their stance on the player is clear.

“I am concerned about it [sorting a new contract for Watkins] and we are working on it. We are in touch, we are talking,” Emery explained at the weekend.

“Watkins in practice every day, his commitment is very high. He wants to work and he wants to help the team. When he scores, we’re happy because he always deserves to score.

“He’s trying to get his objective, his target, through the team. The first is to win and the second is to score,” the head coach continued, impressed by his number 11.

There’s no wonder why clubs are keen on Watkins as he has contributed 47 goals and 15 assists for Villa since signing from Brentford in 2020.

Aged 27 and in his prime, the versatile attacker netted a career-high of 15 in a single Premier League season last term, beating his tally of 14 during the 2020/21 campaign.

A decision on Watkins’ future is expected to be made soon enough by both the player and the club. In the meantime, all focus is on Villa’s progression in all competitions.