Ollie Watkins Could Leave Aston Villa Before Transfer Window Closes, Emery Admits

Striker Ollie Watkins could be the latest departure from Aston Villa, as manager Unai Emery couldn't guarantee his stay at the club. The England international is a target for Saudi club Al-Hilal, and Emery confirmed that offers have been received for him.

Ezri Konsa moved to Arsenal for £55 million, while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a record-breaking £117 million. Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also left the club this summer.

Emery wants to keep Watkins but acknowledges that the 30-year-old might leave Villa Park.

“We have a situation with him, that's clear. He is our player. We have received offers for him,” Emery stated. “I don't want to sell him, but things can change because if it's a good option for him and for the club, and I can replace him in the squad, that's the routine we follow and applied with other departing players. As for Ollie, he is here and for me, he is a fantastic striker. We have always believed in him.”

“Currently, he is our player, there are about ten days left until the end of the transfer window, and we will see what happens. I am happy with him, and if he stays with us, he will continue to play at his level. If he leaves, it will be because it is good for all three parties – for him, for the club, and for the team,” the manager added.

Watkins has scored 108 goals for Villa since joining from Brentford for £28 million in 2020, making him the club's record Premier League goalscorer.

If Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez depart, Villa will have sold six players from the starting lineup that won the Europa League just two months ago.

Martinez's transfer to Juventus fell through after the clubs failed to agree on a fee, while Villa has since signed Japanese international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million as their new number one.

The Argentine international will not be in the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against Brighton, having only had one training session since returning from his post-World Cup break.

Emery added: “We have two excellent goalkeepers. Of course, we signed Suzuki not for the future, but for the present. He has shown his ability to reach our level. He will have to adapt, but he is already playing at such a level. Martinez shared with us the possibility of seeking a new challenge in his career. Even last year, he was considering whether an opportunity for change might arise due to his ambitions.”

“He didn't do it last year and performed fantastically with us. This year, he again conveyed his desire for a new challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I believe he is a fantastic goalkeeper.”