Arsenal could see the door burst open to sign Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins following reports that Unai Emery's side are considering a move for Marcus Rashford.

The Spaniard . However, movement from the European hopefuls Watkins, may not be entirely out of the question.

has reported that Villa are considering the United outcast as an option to strengthen their forward line. Jhon Duran is closing in on a move to Al-Nassr and Rashford is said to be available for loan after finding his gametime at Old Trafford limited.

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It has been said that Emery personally requested that the club enter talks with the Villa boss said to be a big fan of the 27-year-old. Ruben Amorim has cast Rashford aside after failing to impress since the Sporting CP boss took the reins in the North West, as a result, it has led to Emery believing he can help Rashford recapture his form.

Watkins emerged as an target before their dramatic Champions League win over Celtic in midweek. Reports suggested that the Gunners had a bid in the region of £60million rejected by their Premier League rivals.

A move for Rashford, however, could give Arsenal the green light to make their own move for Watkins, although the United forward could simply be seen as a replacement for Al Nassr-bound Duran instead.

"The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa," Emery said on Friday. "He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him.

"Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa in the last years. The conversation we are having usually is about how he is always adapting to every circumstance.

"When some teams are calling us being interested in the players, it is good for us and the players. Some players prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here and commit to Aston Villa and compete for our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins."

Asked if Watkins has told Emery he is happy to stay, the Villa boss responded: "Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here."