Emery Confirms Watkins Could Join Aston Villa Summer Exodus

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has acknowledged that Ollie Watkins could leave the club before the summer transfer window closes, although no transfer has been agreed. The Guardian reported on Friday that Villa rejected another bid from Al-Hilal for the England striker, with the Saudi Pro League club's latest offer worth about £45m.

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Villa have offered Watkins a new contract, but Emery said a departure remains possible if it suits the player, the club and the team. The manager stressed that he would prefer to retain the forward and would require a replacement if a sale proceeds. Watkins turns 31 in December, and the Guardian reported that Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is a priority target for Villa if he leaves.

The uncertainty comes during a major turnover in the squad that won the Europa League against Freiburg in May. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already departed this summer. According to the Guardian, as many as six players who started that final could be sold by the end of the window, though those additional exits are not confirmed.

Emery said he had not expected so many departures, but described the interest in Villa's players as a consequence of the team's results and their individual development. Villa have competed in Europe and challenged near the top of the Premier League during his tenure, increasing the market interest in members of the squad. The manager said he was prepared to handle another period of change.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is another player whose future remains unresolved, with Villa working to find him a new club. Villa have signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma as a replacement. The club has also added Matteo Ruggeri and Alejandro Garnacho, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka completed a loan move from West Ham that includes a conditional obligation for Villa to sign him permanently.

Those three outfield recruits could make their debuts when Villa travel to Brighton on Sunday, the Guardian reported. The immediate focus is the Premier League opener, but the remaining days of the window could still reshape Emery's squad. Watkins remains a Villa player and has a contract offer on the table, while Al-Hilal's reported bid has been rejected rather than accepted.