Watkins, Martinez could exit Aston Villa - Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that star players Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez may leave the club following a series of high-profile departures. The club is currently managing a squad transition after winning the Europa League last season.
Why it matters
The potential exit of key players from a successful team highlights the challenges of maintaining competitive consistency in modern professional football.
Unai Emery has revealed Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could be the next Aston Villa players to join the exodus from the Europa League winners.
Villa have rejected several bids for Watkins from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this week, but Emery hinted the England striker would be allowed to leave for the right price.
England defender Ezri Konsa is on the verge of sealing his move to Premier League champions Arsenal, while Argentina goalkeeper Martinez has told Emery he wants to go.
Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans have already been sold by Villa since the end of last season, joining Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively.
It is a remarkable dismantling of a team that won Villa’s first major trophy for 30 years when they beat Freiburg in the Europa League final in May.
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