‘Watkins is our striker’, Duran exit could be ‘good cash’

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was grilled on the futures of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran after Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Celtic.

Each strikers have been sensationally linked with strikes away from the membership inthe build-up to their essential Champions League conflict, with Watkins the topic of a bid from Premier Leagie rivals Arsenal – which was promtly rejected.

Duran, in the meantime, was additionally linked with the exit door, with studies suggesting the Col0mbian has agreed to affix Saudi Professional League facet Al-Nassr.

Emery initially refused to touch upon the extraordinary hypothesis relating to his two goalscorers however opened up extra within the post-match press convention, providing up differing ideas on the 2.

‘Watkins is our striker’ after Arsenal bid rejected

Requested about Watkins doubtlessly departing Villa Park earlier than Monday’s switch deadline, the Spanish boss emphatically responded: “I don’t need. It’s excellent news to have a proposal from different golf equipment, or curiosity, it’s good.

“However we need to preserve our sporting goal by means of the gamers we’ve got within the squad.

“Each participant may be out there in case it’s good for the membership, the participant and the crew however to get this deal after all we’re going to be very demanding as properly and Watkins is our striker.”

Duran to Al-Nassr could be ‘good cash’

🚨🟡🔵 Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, right here we go! Story from earlier tonight confirmed as paperwork are being ready.

Aston Villa to obtain €77m fastened charge plus add-ons, long run deal accepted by Durán.

Medical booked tomorrow after which he’ll journey to Saudi proper after ✈️🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/m3SN6ots84

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025

However then quizzed on Duran’s future, Emery appeared extra open to the thought of his exit, suggesting any sale Villa comply with could be “good cash” for the membership.

Duran is Villa’s high scorer will 12 objectives this season however stays behind Watkins within the pecking order and is recurrently linked with strikes away from the membership.

Emery mentioned: “The membership is working, we’ve got to be aggressive, after all we’re growing gamers and rising our goal, rising our goal, taking part in Champions League.

“After all, we within the eyes of one other sturdy crew, sturdy nations like Saudi Arabia. It’s one thing as properly I can really feel happy with as a result of [the players] are enhancing. We’ve got gamers who’re of curiosity to different golf equipment and paying good cash to us.

“However after all our goal is to maintain our construction on the game facet as a result of we need to preserve our degree that we’re at and to maintain it for a very long time is tough.

“[To answer question], I don’t know precisely till all the things is finished.

“If he’s leaving it’s as a result of it’s a whole lot for us. As a result of we’ve got developed a younger participant in two years. It isn’t solely membership, it [has to work for] membership, participant and crew.

“I don’t know if he’s going to depart.”

Emery: I would like Duran right here, however what does he need?

Duran has showcased his extraordinary expertise this season with plenty of gorgeous objectives and Emery reiterated that he would somewhat preserve the 21-year-old in a great world – however conceded it might not be what the striker needs.

“With Jhon Duran, you recognize roughly all the things we’re talking right here. He’s a incredible younger participant, incredible potential.

“I used to be so shut with him, attempting to work with him in his growth. However the participant has the target, typically they’re impassioned. If they’re leaving it’s as a result of they’re doing one other approach of their profession.

“If he’s leaving, after all it’s as a result of he has agreed.

“I advised you final week, I wished him right here. After West Ham, I advised you I wished him right here. However what does he need?”