Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has not ruled out selling striker Ollie Watkins, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has told the club he would like to leave.
Aston Villa have already rejected four bids from Al-Hilal for Watkins, but Emery’s latest comments suggest the forward’s future at the club remains unresolved with about 10 days left before the transfer window closes.
The England international has been the subject of sustained interest from the Saudi Pro League side. Despite Aston Villa turning down each of Al-Hilal’s proposals so far, Emery acknowledged that the situation could still change before the deadline.
Watkins’ position is therefore uncertain as the club approaches the final stage of the transfer window. Emery did not rule out the possibility of a sale, leaving open the prospect of the striker departing if an agreement can be reached.
The manager also confirmed that Martinez has expressed a desire to move on from Aston Villa. The Argentina goalkeeper has been considering a change of club for a second successive year, although there was no indication of where he might go or whether a transfer is close to being completed.
The developments involving Watkins and Martinez come as Emery praised Aston Villa’s work in the transfer market. The club have strengthened their squad by signing Dijon Suzuki, Yohan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Aston Villa’s recruitment activity has continued alongside uncertainty over two established members of Emery’s squad. Watkins remains linked with Al-Hilal after the Saudi club’s four unsuccessful offers, while Martinez’s reported wish to leave means the club may also have to consider changes in goal.
Emery stressed that the remaining period of the transfer window could prove decisive. With roughly 10 days still available, Aston Villa’s position on Watkins may yet develop, while Martinez’s longer-running interest in a move remains another issue for the manager and the club to resolve.
For now, Aston Villa have rejected all four Al-Hilal bids for Watkins, but Emery’s refusal to exclude a sale means the striker’s future cannot be regarded as settled. Martinez, meanwhile, is entering a second year in which he is considering leaving, according to Emery.
The manager’s assessment provides a mixed picture of the club’s transfer window: Aston Villa have completed several signings, yet the futures of Watkins and Martinez remain unclear before the deadline.
