Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has attracted offers from other clubs, including Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, and may leave the club before the transfer window closes in 10 days [1, 2, 3]. Manager Unai Emery said, "We have had offers for him. I don't want to sell him but it can change because if it's a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have," acknowledging the possibility of Watkins' departure if it benefits all parties [1]. Emery added, "There are still 10 days left before the transfer window closes. We will see what happens but I am happy with him and if he stays with us then he will continue at his level" [2].
Watkins has been Aston Villa's record Premier League scorer with 108 goals since joining from Brentford for £28 million in 2020 [1]. His availability for Villa's Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday is currently uncertain [1, 2, 3].
The club is amid a major squad overhaul following their Europa League triumph two months ago. Villa have already sold several key starters, including defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for £51 million, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a British record £117 million, and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United [1, 2, 3]. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez's proposed move to Juventus fell through over fee disagreements. Martinez has expressed a desire for a new challenge but remains at Villa for now, with Emery noting, "He was thinking that if he had the opportunity to change his challenge, then he could do it, but he stayed and performed fantastically" [1, 2, 3].
To bolster the squad, Villa signed Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million to provide competition in goal [1, 2, 3]. They also added winger Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea, central midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves, attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, and right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from West Ham [2, 3].
If Watkins and Martinez leave, Aston Villa will have sold six regular starters from the squad that won the Europa League, marking a significant turnover [1]. The transfer window remains open until August 31, providing further opportunities for Villa to complete deals and finalize their squad before the new season progresses.
