Aston Villa could look to sell Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window, according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown - with their financial situation potentially forcing them to lose their star striker in the summer transfer window after missing out on the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season.
A controversial 2-0 loss to Manchester United on the final day, in which a draw would have been enough to force qualification to Europe's premier cup competition for the second year running, saw them slip into sixth. Instead, Villa will be forced to play Europa League football next season, potentially seeing Watkins depart alongside Emiliano Martinez to front the lack of earnings.
Brown: Villa Will Look to Sell Watkins This Summer
The Villans have been in fine form but a lack of Champions League will derail them
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins pointing
The England star recorded his second-best tally of his Premier League career this time around, ensuring five straight top-flight campaigns with at least double figures to his name - and naturally, that has attracted attention for the star who was called 'world-class' towards the end of last season.
Ollie Watkins' Premier League statistics - Aston Villa squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Goals
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Aerials Won Per Game
Match rating
Arsenal had a shock bid rejected in January, and the Gunners are still in need of a striker to come into their ranks after seeing Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus pick up injuries in the middle of the campaign.
And that could see Villa cash in, with Brown claiming that Villa believe they can make a profit on him if clubs come in with offers over the summer. He said via Football Insider:
“Aston Villa will look to sell Watkins this summer. They know he’s a player who has attracted a lot of interest and clubs will be willing to pay for.
“Looking at their financial situation, they feel they’re going to have to sell players to help balance the books and avoid any sort of punishment.
“Arsenal tried to sign Watkins in January and that interest hasn’t gone away. Villa paid around £30million for him, and he’s been worth far more than that to them with what he’s achieved since he’s come in.
“Now, they believe they can make a profit on him if clubs come in with offers. It’s not their fault but it’s the situation they’re in, and he is seen as a sellable asset.”
Watkins has 75 Premier League goals, and is only one or two solid campaigns from making the 34-strong-list of players in the 100 Club.
If he does move, it could well be to another top-flight club, where he will cement his place in the record books having already become Villa's leading goalscorer in the competition's 23-year history.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 27-05-25.
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