Martin O’Neill tells Aston Villa what to do after Arsenal bid for Ollie Watkins | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill has told Aston Villa not to sell Ollie Watkins to Arsenal after the Gunners reportedly made a bid to take the striker to the Emirates Stadium.

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have made an offer to sign Watkins in the final days of the January transfer window.

Even though Villa have turned it down and are adamant that they do not want to sell the England international striker, Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to return with an improved offer.

Arsenal’s bid was reported just hours before Villa’s UEFA Champions League game against Celtic on Wednesday evening.

Former Villa manager O’Neill has said that the Villans should be furious with Arsenal over the bid and has urged Unai Emery’s side to turn it down.

O’Neill told TNT Sports: “Never mind the matchday, just think about how close it is to transfer deadline day, and you have got a bid in for your top striker.

“I would be apoplectic, I must admit. I feel as though Aston Villa, if they want to progress, must try and keep them here at the football club.

“I know it is supposedly a big offer, but January transfer window, I would not be having it.”

View: Aston Villa should not sell Ollie Watkins to Arsenal

If Villa are to be successful this season, then they have to resist all temptations to sell Watkins to Arsenal in the January transfer window.

Even if the striker wants to switch clubs, the Villans have to stay strong and keep him at Villa Park for the rest of the season.

Emery’s side are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this campaign.

The Villans are currently eighth in the league table with 37 points from 23 matches. They are only four points behind fourth-placed and defending champions Manchester City.

Villa have also progressed to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League this season.

The Premier League club simply cannot let one of their best players leave in the middle of the campaign.

Watkins has scored 10 goals and given eight assists in 31 matches in all competitions for Villa so far this season.

During the 2023-24 campaign, the striker scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists in 53 appearances.