Unai Emery wants Ollie Watkins to stay amid Arsenal interest, says Jhon Duran potential sale is ‘good news’ for club

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has responded to speculation around the future of his star strikers Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. The Spaniard took a hard line on Watkins, insisting he was "our striker" and that Villa would be "very demanding" in negotiations over a potential fee. But he conceded that Duran, who only recently signed a new deal with the club, could be headed for the exit.

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Unai Emery is taking a hard line on the future of striker Ollie Watkins amid interest from other clubs in the transfer window, although he conceded Colombian star Jhon Duran may leave Villa Park.

Both strikers have attracted offers from other clubs, with Aston Villa reported to have rejected a £60 million bid by Arsenal for Watkins.

The England international helped secure their last-16 spot in the UEFA Champions League with a goal against Celtic in their final group stage match.

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Duran, meanwhile, only signed a new contract with Villa two months ago but is reported to be heading to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, home of Cristiano Ronaldo, in a deal worth over £64m.

Villa manager Emery could not confirm Watkins would remain at the club, but said: "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 if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker."

While Watkins' future at the club appears safe, Duran seems likely to depart before the end of the January transfer window.

The Colombian, who has scored 12 goals in 29 appearances for Villa this season, had previously been subject to a £57m bid from Premier League rivals West Ham, which was rejected. He now appears set on a move to Saudi Arabia.

"I don’t know exactly until everything is done if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is leaving it is good news for us because it means they are paying good money," Emery said.

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"Because we have developed one young player in two years to get this offer. It is not only for the club, it is the club, the players and team. Those circumstances can be positive."

Duran was an unused substitute in Wednesday's Champions League fixture and appeared to say goodbye to fans after the match finished.

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