Unai Emery outlines Ollie Watkins situation as Aston Villa reject new bid

Unai Emery has confirmed Ollie Watkins could leave Villa before the end of the transfer window.

The England international is wanted by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, who have seen a new bid worth for the striker around £45million rejected.

But while Emery is keen to keep Watkins, he conceded the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer could leave if Villa’s valuation is met between now and the September 1 deadline.

“We have an issue with him, it’s clear,” said Emery on Friday.

“We have offers for him, he’s our player. I don’t want to sell him but that can change because if it’s a good option for him and the club and I can replace him, this is the routine we have and we did with the players that have left.

“He is a fantastic striker, we always believe in him, and he did it.

“Now he’s our player and 10 days more or less to finish the window, we’ll see what happens. He’s our player and I’m happy with him.”

Watkins has scored 108 goals since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020, finishing top scorer in each of his seasons at the club.

The 30-year-old netted 21 times last term, finishing the season in arguably the best form of his career after scoring 12 times in his final 13 appearances.

Villa are eyeing a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson in case Watkins departs. The 25-year-old previously played under Emery at Villarreal.