Interest in Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran is frustrating Aston Villa, who would rather this night was solely about their Champions League progression to the last 16

The possible Champions League round of 16 opponents for Premier League sides have been revealed as Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool & Aston Villa qualify.

Unai Emery has said strikers Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins being wanted by other clubs is a sign of Aston Villa’s recent successes. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Arsenal have had an approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins turned down as they try to bring in a new forward before Monday’s transfer deadline. Villa boss Unai Emery has stressed his reluctance to lose the England striker,

Ollie Watkins has scored 10 Premier League goals this season for Aston Villa. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/. Aston Villa have rejected a formal offer from Arsenal

Ollie Watkins has responded to talk of a January transfer to Arsenal with a clear message while in action for Aston Villa. Despite a bid from Emirates Stadium for his services having been rejected, Unai Emery continued to stick by his striker and named him in the starting XI for the Champions League clash against Celtic on Wednesday.