Ollie Watkins has been unable to escape past remarks he made during his time at Brentford, particularly as speculation over his future at Aston Villa continues to grow. “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day,” he once admitted.

At the time, such an aspiration seemed distant, as he later acknowledged. “I’m not sure my grandad or uncle Baz are going to be too happy,” he remarked after scoring against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal for Villa, having joined the club earlier that year.

“They are Arsenal fans, and I am an Arsenal fan myself – but I’m buzzing. I’m sure they will love it really. I’m over the moon.”

He had also previously revealed: “I’m an Arsenal fan, so Thierry Henry was my [idol]. He’s unbelievable to watch. He was my idol growing up.”

Given Arsenal’s persistent links to Watkins over the past two-and-a-half years—particularly due to his consistent goal-scoring record in the Premier League—it comes as no surprise that these comments have resurfaced following a reported bid on Wednesday night. According to football.london, Arsenal tabled a £60 million offer as they look to address their striker shortage.

However, Villa are understandably reluctant to part ways with the 29-year-old, especially after agreeing to sell Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr. Durán’s departure provides the club with significant funds but leaves them without a replacement upfront.

Even if Villa were to secure João Félix, losing Watkins would remain a significant blow—though it now appears entirely off the table. Unai Emery has made his stance clear regarding his key players amid the transfer speculation.

“I don’t want [to sell],” he firmly stated earlier this week when asked about the latest bid.

“It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to maintain our sporting ambitions with the players we have in our squad.

“Every player can be in the market if it benefits both the player and the club. But for a deal to happen, we would have to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.

“We are working, the club is working, and we are trying to strengthen in the transfer window because we need reinforcements. Some players may leave, but now is not the time to discuss it.”

Ahead of Villa’s short trip to face Midlands rivals Wolves on Friday, Emery reiterated his belief in Watkins’ commitment.

“The commitment of Watkins is huge—his dedication to Aston Villa is unwavering. He appreciates how the club has always supported and helped him. When we arrived two years ago, we worked to bring out the best in him.

“Now we need him, just as he has needed Aston Villa in recent years. We frequently discuss how he continues to adapt to every situation.

“When teams express interest in our players, it is a positive reflection on the club and the individual. Some players choose to leave, while others commit to Aston Villa and our ambitions. Watkins is one of those players.”

The two have even discussed a failed transfer attempt. “Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling, and he is happy here.”

Emery’s determination to retain Watkins aligns with the striker’s own intentions, as reflected in his comments following the signing of a long-term contract extension in 2023.

“I’m really happy,” Watkins stated. “I feel like this is the best place for me to play football. I still have a lot to achieve here.”

Following Villa’s qualification for the Champions League, Watkins enjoyed his most successful individual season.

“I feel like I’ve built a great connection with the fans since I arrived. From day one, they have been incredibly supportive. We’ve had highs and lows, but that’s football. You can see the direction the club is heading in, and I want to be a part of that.”

Despite a slow start to the current campaign, Villa have regained momentum in their pursuit of European qualification. Watkins, who has previously spoken about his belief in the club’s trajectory, remains at the heart of their ambitions.

“We’re only getting started,” he declared. “The boss has been here for a year, and you can see the progress both in form and player development. There are still levels we can reach. Hopefully, we can push for a Champions League spot—that’s the objective.”

When discussing personal goals, Watkins left no doubt about his ambitions.

“From the moment I arrived, I feel like I’ve performed well. I’ve experienced highs and lows, just like any player at any club. Right now, I’m on a high, and I know there’s more to come.

“I’ve set targets for myself: I’m going to break Gabby Agbonlahor’s record for goals, and I want to win a trophy. I believe I can do that here, which is why I’ve stayed. Hopefully, I can repay the fans by achieving those goals, bringing silverware to the club, and scoring even more goals.”

Watkins is now just five goals away from surpassing Agbonlahor as Villa’s all-time leading Premier League scorer. However, in order to reach that milestone, he must remain at the club beyond Monday’s transfer deadline.

His loyalty is evident, and Villa fully recognise his value. Emery’s admiration for the forward is unmistakable. While Arsenal may still be interested, Watkins’ bond with Aston Villa appears stronger than ever.