Unai Emery Acknowledges Potential Departures as Aston Villa Faces Transfer Decisions
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted that Ollie Watkins might be one of the notable players to leave Villa Park this summer, while also disclosing that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has officially requested a transfer.
Despite Villa having previously declined four separate offers from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for Watkins this week, Emery has not dismissed the possibility of the England forward departing. Watkins could join the ranks of Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans, all of whom are expected to leave the club this summer.
With the anticipated confirmation of Ezri Konsa’s transfer to Arsenal looming ahead of the weekend, Emery acknowledged an ongoing “issue” concerning Watkins and indicated that a sale could occur if the financial terms are favorable.
“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is another player; we have had offers for him,” Emery stated ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton this Sunday. “He is our player, I don’t want to sell him. It can change because if it’s a good option for him, a good option for the club, and I can replace him in the squad.”
Emery continued, emphasizing his faith in Watkins, highlighting his impressive performance as a striker. “This is the routine we have and what we did before with the players they are losing. With Ollie, he is here, and he has always been up and down in his performance. He is a fantastic striker; we always believe in him, and we supported him,” he elaborated. “There are about 10 days left to complete the transfer window. We will see what happens.”
On the other hand, Emiliano Martinez has sought a new challenge in recent summer windows, prompting Villa to pursue Zion Suzuki as a potential replacement for the goalkeeper position. “He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career,” Emery noted. “Last year, he considered a change, but it didn’t happen, and he performed fantastically with us. This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martinez is leaving.”
In light of the potential exits, Emery maintains that the club has operated strategically in the transfer market. Alongside Suzuki, Aston Villa has acquired Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
“I’m very excited; I think we have had an intelligent market,” Emery expressed. “We know where we are and what we want to accomplish in the coming year. This is the priority, and this is the motivation I have.”
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.
Although Villa turned down four separate offers from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal for Watkins this week, 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.
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With Ezri Konsa’s transfer to Arsenal expected to be confirmed ahead of the weekend, Emery acknowledged an “issue” regarding Watkins, noting that a sale remains possible if the financial conditions are suitable.
“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him,” he said ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday.
“He is our player, I don’t want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.
Martinez has asked to leave Villa (Getty)
“This is the routine we have and we did before with the players they are losing. With Ollie, he is here, and he has always been up and down in his performance.
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“He is a fantastic striker, we always believe in him and we supported him and he did it. Now he is our player and there is 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window.
“We will see what happens. He is our player, I am happy with him and in case he stays with us, he is going to continue playing his level. If he is leaving it will be for the best three ways. One is him, another is the club and another is the team.”
Meanwhile, Argentina international Martinez has sought a fresh challenge over the past two summer windows. In response, Villa have brought in Zion Suzuki as a prospective replacement between the posts.
“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.
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“This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martinez is leaving.”
Emery feels Villa have been ‘intelligent’ in the transfer market (Getty)
Even with several key figures potentially departing, Emery remains adamant that Villa have conducted an “intelligent market”.
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,” he said. “We know where we are and we know what we want to do again for the next year.
“This is the priority and this is the motivation I have.”
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