Watkins could leave Villa before transfer deadline - Emery

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may depart before the transfer deadline, as manager Unai Emery cannot guarantee his continued presence at Villa Park. The England international is attracting interest from Saudi club Al-Hilal, with offers already made, according to Emery. Other recent departures from the club include Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for £51m and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a record £117m.

Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also left this summer. Emery expressed that he wants to retain Watkins, but acknowledges the potential for the player to seek a new challenge elsewhere. Emery stated, "We have an issue with him, it's clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him." Despite his preference to keep Watkins, Emery noted that the situation could change if the move proves beneficial for all parties involved.

The 30-year-old has been a prolific scorer for Villa, netting 108 goals since his £28m move from Brentford in 2020 and holds the club's record for most Premier League goals. If Watkins and goalkeeper Emi Martinez both depart, Villa would have sold six starting XI members who won the Europa League just two months ago.