Villa's striker crisis looms as Emery eyes Watkins' future

Aston Villa risk losing England striker Ollie Watkins before the transfer deadline, manager Unai Emery warned, as the 30‑year‑old, who netted 21 goals last season to clinch the Europa League, draws interest from Saudi club Al‑Hilal. Image source, Getty Images, provided a photograph captioned ImagesImage, and the Football reporter highlighted the urgency.

Striker gap after Europa heroes leave

Ezri Konsa is moving to Arsenal for £51m while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a record £117m, and Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne are also set to leave this summer. If Watkins and goalkeeper Emi Martinez also depart, VIlla will have sold six of the starting XI that won the Europa League two months ago.

Emery weighs offers and squad balance

Emery said he does not want to sell Watkins but acknowledged offers have arrived from Al‑Hilal. “We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him,” he explained. With roughly ten days left in the window, the manager added that a decision will depend on whether the move benefits the player, the club and the team.

Arsenal and Aston Villa battle for Real Madrid prodigy Endrick

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s proposed move to Juventus fell through after the clubs could not agree a fee, prompting Villa to sign Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m as the new No.1. Martinez will miss the Premier League opener at Brighton, having only completed one training session after returning from a post‑World Cup break, while Emery praised Suzuki’s ability to adapt quickly.

Watkins has amassed 108 goals for Villa since arriving from Brentford for £28m in 2020, making him the club’s record Premier League scorer. His goal tally includes the 21 strikes that secured the Europa League title last season.

With the transfer window closing in about ten days, Villa must decide whether to replace Watkins and Martinez or retain the duo. Emery reiterated that any sale would only proceed if a suitable replacement is secured, leaving the club’s summer plans hanging in the balance.