Watkins and Martinez could join Villa exodus says Emery

Unai Emery has disclosed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez may be next to join Villa in their exodus following recent transfers. Despite rejecting multiple bids for Watkins from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, Emery hinted that the England forward could be allowed to leave for the right price.

Meanwhile, defender Ezri Konsa is reportedly set to sign for Premier League champions Arsenal, while Martinez himself has expressed his desire to leave Villa. The English club's significant player departures since the conclusion of last season include Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans, who have since joined Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United respectively.

This drastic dismantling of a team that won Villa's first major trophy in 30 years during their Europa League final victory in May has left Emery concerned about Watkins' future. Emery stated, "We have an issue with Watkins, it's clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him, he is our player, I don't want to sell him.

It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad." With Martinez's interest in a fresh challenge, Emery noted, "He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career." Despite the extensive turnover of players at Villa Park, Emery asserted that the club, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season, have had a successful transfer window.

They have signed Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Emery expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm very excited, I think we have had an intelligent market, we know where we are and we know what we want to do again for the next year. This is the priority and this is the motivation I have."