Aston Villa's Summer of Change: Emery Hints at Ollie Watkins Exit
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has conceded that Ollie Watkins may become the latest high-profile departure from Villa Park this summer, while confirming that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has requested a transfer.
Emery refused to rule out a potential exit for the England forward, who could join Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans in departing the club. Although Villa turned down four separate offers from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal for Watkins this week, Emery acknowledged an "issue" regarding Watkins, noting that a sale remains possible if the financial conditions are suitable.
The uncertainty surrounding Watkins' future comes as Ezri Konsa's transfer to Arsenal is expected to be confirmed ahead of the weekend. Emery's comments suggest that Villa are willing to part ways with the 27-year-old forward, who has had a mixed season in terms of performance.
"We have an issue with him, it’s clear," Emery said ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday. "He is another player, we have had offers for him."
Emery's words have sparked speculation about Watkins' future at the club. Despite his commitment to the player, Emery seems to be leaving the door open for a potential transfer. The manager's comments are likely to be seen as a signal to potential suitors that Watkins could be available for transfer.
With Martinez having sought a fresh challenge over the past two summer windows, Villa have brought in Zion Suzuki as a prospective replacement between the posts. Emery feels that Suzuki is a "fantastic goalkeeper" who can provide a suitable backup for the Argentine international.
"He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career," Emery added. "Not now, even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change and he didn’t do last year, and he performed fantastic with us."
Emery remains adamant that Villa have conducted an "intelligent market" despite several key figures potentially departing. Alongside Suzuki, the club have brought in Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
"I’m very excited, I think we have had an intelligent market," Emery said. "We know where we are and we know what we want to do again for the next year."
As the transfer window enters its final stages, Villa's fans will be eager to see if Emery's words come to fruition. Will Watkins remain at the club, or will he join the growing list of departures? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the uncertainty surrounding Watkins' future has added an extra layer of intrigue to Villa's summer of change.
Source: Yahoo Sports