Aston Villa boss Unai Emery confirmed that Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martínez could leave the club this summer. The club has rejected four bids from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for Watkins, but Emery acknowledged there is an "issue" with the England striker and he could depart if the right offer materializes. "He is our player, I don't want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad," Emery said ahead of Villa's Premier League opener at Brighton. Martínez has expressed a desire for a fresh challenge for the second consecutive summer, prompting Villa to sign Zion Suzuki as a potential replacement. "He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career," Emery added. "This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martínez is leaving." Despite losing key players including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans, Emery insists Villa have had an "intelligent market," adding signings such as Johan Manzambi, João Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. "I'm very excited, I think we have had an intelligent market," he said. "We know where we are and we know what we want to do again for the next year."

Watkins, who has been linked with several clubs, remains Villa's main striker, though Emery admitted the situation could evolve in the final days of the transfer window. "With Ollie, he is here, and he has always been up and down in his performance. He is a fantastic striker, we always believe in him and we supported him and he did it. Now he is our player and there is 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window. We will see what happens," Emery stated.

Martínez's potential departure follows a similar pattern to last year, when he also considered leaving but ultimately stayed and performed well for the club.