Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming

Aston Villa is preparing to "play hardball" with Saudi club Al-Hilal over striker Ollie Watkins, whose departure would be the most emotional of the summer transfer window. Al-Hilal's offer of nearly £40 million falls short of Villa's valuation, and a deal is considered some way off, despite manager Unai Emery's acknowledgment that the striker could leave.

Watkins, who has scored 108 goals in 278 games for Villa since joining from Brentford for a then-club-record £28 million, has been training alone. He is understood to be open to a move, having made his feelings clear to the club hierarchy. Emery's recent cryptic response about Watkins' absence from a matchday squad fueled speculation, with some interpreting it as placing blame on the player.

The potential sale raises questions about whether Villa views the offer for a player turning 31 in December, and who has had an inconsistent role under Emery, as a good deal. His departure would represent a significant loss, given his goals, work rate, and connection with the fanbase. Watkins was instrumental in Villa's Europa League triumph, ending a 30-year trophy drought, in what may have been his final game for the club.

The club also faces uncertainty regarding goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's future, with a move to Juventus recently falling through. Villa needs to resolve the situation for the 33-year-old, especially after signing Zion Suzuki as their primary goalkeeper. Replacing Watkins will be a more challenging task than finding a replacement for defender Ezri Konsa.