Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins could leave Aston Villa amid Al-Hilal interest

BBC Sport reports that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has acknowledged striker Ollie Watkins could leave before the transfer window closes, although the club would prefer to keep him. The 30-year-old England international is wanted by Saudi club Al-Hilal, and Emery confirmed that Villa have received offers for the forward.

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Emery said Watkins remains a Villa player and described him as a striker the club has consistently backed. However, with roughly 10 days remaining in the window, the manager stopped short of guaranteeing that Watkins will stay at Villa Park. He indicated that a transfer would be considered only if it suited the player and club while allowing Villa to find a replacement for the squad.

Watkins joined Villa from Brentford for £28 million in 2020 and has scored 108 goals for the Birmingham club. He is Villa's record Premier League scorer and delivered 21 goals last season, helping Emery's side win the Europa League. Those numbers underline the scale of the decision facing Villa as they prepare for another domestic campaign.

The uncertainty around Watkins comes during a summer of major change for the Europa League winners. Ezri Konsa is moving to Arsenal for £51 million, while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a club-record £117 million. Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also left. BBC Sport reported that Villa would have sold six players from the starting lineup that won the Europa League two months ago if Watkins and goalkeeper Emi Martinez both depart.

Martinez's proposed move to Juventus collapsed after the clubs failed to agree a fee. Villa have nevertheless signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million as their new first-choice goalkeeper. Martinez will not be in the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener at Brighton because he has completed only one training session since returning from a post-World Cup break.

Emery said Suzuki was recruited for the present rather than as a long-term project, while acknowledging the goalkeeper will need time to adapt. He also said Martinez had communicated a desire to consider a new challenge. For Watkins, no departure has been finalized: Emery's position is that the forward can continue performing for Villa if he remains, with any sale dependent on the interests of Watkins, the club and the team aligning.