Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has conceded that star forward Ollie Watkins could depart the club before the transfer window closes. The England international has drawn serious interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, leaving his long-term future at Villa Park uncertain.

Emery acknowledged that formal bids have been submitted for the 30-year-old striker. Although the coach stated a clear preference for retaining the player, he admitted that a departure remains possible under the right circumstances.

Any potential transfer would depend on satisfying three criteria: a beneficial outcome for the player, a strong financial package for the club, and the successful acquisition of an adequate replacement. Emery noted that this approach mirrors the strategy the club has applied to other departing squad members during the current window.

Watkins has established himself as a central figure for Aston Villa since arriving from Brentford in 2020. He currently holds the club record for Premier League goals and found the back of the net 21 times last term to help Villa secure the Europa League trophy.

A potential exit for Watkins would contribute to a significant squad overhaul following their continental success. Several key contributors from the triumphant final have already moved on, including Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and Ezri Konsa to Arsenal.

In the meantime, the club has also managed transitions in goal. Following a collapsed transfer to Juventus for Emiliano Martinez, Villa brought in Japanese international Zion Suzuki from Parma to establish a new option between the posts.

Emery explained that Suzuki was brought in to contribute immediately rather than simply as a prospect for the future. Meanwhile, Martinez remains with the club despite expressing a desire to explore new career challenges.

Villa are preparing for their upcoming Premier League campaign amidst these roster shifts. The squad will open their league schedule against Brighton with roughly ten days remaining in the summer transfer window to finalize their personnel.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.