A late pivot to focus on the forward line led to an opportunistic attempt to sign Ollie Watkins and discussions over Alvaro Morata

Former Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs has applauded Unai Emery for the way in which he has handled the fallout from the collapse of Ollie Watkins ’ proposed transfer to the Gunners. Villa turned down a bid from Arsenal for England striker Watkins earlier this week, reported to be in the region of £60million.

Villa have already raked in a hefty £64 million transfer fee when they sanctioned Jhon Duran's sale to Al Nassr, so a cash influx at this stage is insufficient to justify a sale for Watkins. Romano also noted exclusively to GIVEMESPORT that Unai Emery was "pushing internally" to avoid parting ways with his man this window.