Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is facing a significant challenge regarding his future with the club, with boss Unai Emery reportedly unable to guarantee his continued tenure. The England international is reportedly being courted by Saudi club Al-Hilal, with Emery confirming that offers have been made for his services. Ezri Konsa’s move to Arsenal for a reported £51 million, while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a record-breaking £117 million, including Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, signals a significant shift in Villa’s squad structure. Emery has expressed a desire to retain Watkins, however, he admits the 30-year-old could potentially leave the club before the January transfer window closes. Emery stated, “We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him,” emphasizing that he wants to keep Watkins but acknowledges the possibility of him seeking a new opportunity. He further clarified that the situation is contingent on a mutually beneficial agreement for Watkins and Villa, with the routine of the club transferring players being established before this point. Watkins has consistently scored 108 goals for Villa since joining from Brentford for £28 million in 2020, establishing him as the club’s record Premier League goalscorer. The club’s valuation of Watkins, considering his current contract and future prospects, is estimated to be around £10 million a year. If Watkins and goalkeeper Emi Martinez leave, Villa will have sold six of the starting XI, a significant loss for the team, as evidenced by the Europa League exit last month. Martinez’s move to Juventus collapsed due to the clubs’ inability to agree on a fee, while Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki for £30 million as their new goalkeeper. Emery acknowledged that Martinez’s return to Juventus was a challenge for the team, and that Watkins transmitted the possibility of a new challenge for his career. He further highlighted Watkins’s performance last year, noting that he ‘transmitted’ the possibility of a new challenge to his teammates. The situation is evolving, with West Ham’s Wan‑Bissaka joining Aston Villa on loan, suggesting a potential restructuring of Villa’s squad. The long-term implications of these departures are being closely monitored, with Emery exploring options to fill the void left by Watkins and potentially securing a new striker before the January transfer window closes.
Source: BBC Football
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Source: BBC Football
