Unai Emery has admitted that Al-Nassr's big-money offer for Jhon Duran was too good for Aston Villa to turn down, but he is hopeful that Arsenal-linked Ollie Watkins will remain at the club.
Within the space of 24 to 48 hours, both of Villa's strikers have been subject to interest in the final stages of the winter transfer window, and while Watkins's future remains uncertain, it appears that Duran is heading for the exit door.
Indeed, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr have reportedly agreed a deal with Villa to sign Duran for €77m (£64.5m) plus add-ons, with the Colombia international agreeing personal terms over a five-and-a-half-year contract.
The Athletic reports that the 21-year-old completed his medical in London on Thursday and is set to fly to Saudi Arabia to finalise his move before the Saudi transfer window closes on Friday.
Villa are set to make significant profit on a player that they bought for around £17m, including add-ons, from MLS outfit Chicago Fire in January 2023.
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Emery: 'If Duran leaves, it's good news because it's good money'
Duran watched on as an unused substitute as Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday night; Watkins, meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes and scored the hosts' third goal midway through the second half.
Emery was asked about whether Duran was set to leave Villa after the match, and he told reporters: "The club is working and we have to be intelligent and competitive.
"When we are developing players and increasing our objectives, getting it and playing in the Champions League, we are in the eyes of strong teams and leagues like Arabia.
"I can feel proud of it because they are improving and players are of interest to other clubs. As well, they are paying good money for us. Our objective is to keep the structure intelligently.
"Sometimes maybe we have to sell players, but as well change and replace them with good players as well. If he is leaving, it is good news for us because it is good money for us and we have developed the player in two years getting this offer.
"This is for the club, players and the team. Those three circumstances and minimum of two: the club and the team."
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Emery added: "You know my opinion about him. He has fantastic potential. I was trying to get him with my advice for everything. I was so, so close with him, working with him in his development.
"The players have their ambitions and sometimes they are impatient. If he leaves it is because he wants to do another way in his career."
Emery keen to keep hold of Arsenal-linked Watkins
Emery was also asked about the future of Watkins, who was allegedly the subject of a £60m bid from Arsenal on Wednesday, which was swiftly rejected by Villa.
The Spaniard was asked if he could guarantee that Watkins will not be sold in this window, and he replied: "I don't want (him to leave). It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.
"Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker."
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm whether the Gunners have made an offer for Watkins, who is Villa's second-top goalscorer (11) this season - behind Duran (12) - in all competitions.
Watkins, a known Arsenal supporter who turns 30 in December 2025, has recorded 81 goals and 35 assists in 201 appearances for Villa since joining from Brentford in 2020, and he is under contract at Villa Park until June 2028.
Oliver Thomas
