Striker Ollie Watkins has told boss Unai Emery he wants to stay at Aston Villa and reject interest from Arsenal. The Gunners made an approach for the England international on Monday but it was knocked back as Villa have no intention of letting the forward leave.

Ollie Watkins is ‘open’ to joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline if Aston Villa back down and agree a deal with the Gunners. The future of England striker Watkins looks set to be one of the biggest talking points in the final few days of the transfer window after he was the subject of a big-money offer from Arsenal.

Nassr, Arsenal have bid for Watkins - despite the build-up Villa held their nerve to claim place in round of 16