Ollie Watkins closer to summer Aston Villa exit after new England developments
Ollie Watkins is more likely to exit Aston Villa this summer following his displays at Euro 2024 with England, according to Alan Hutton.
The Villa forward didn’t start a single game as the Three Lions finished as runners-up to Spain, but the 28-year-old did produce a moment of magic to book to score the injury-time winner against the Netherlands.
Several clubs are understood to be tracking Watkins this summer with reports linking both Liverpool [The Sun, 29 May] and Manchester United [talkSPORT, 22 May] with his signature, while he is also known to be a boyhood Arsenal fan.
While Hutton hopes that the striker’s exploits in Germany will have helped him prepare for this season’s Champions League campaign, he admits his heroics will have raised his profile in the transfer window.
“Unfortunately yes, that’s the answer,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“I really think he should have got even more time than he did because whenever he came on he showed exactly what he was capable of.
“What he did at Aston Villa all season, that goal against the Netherlands that’s typical Watkins. Get the ball to him, he’ll shift, shoot and score goals. That’s what he does.
“It’s definitely lifted his profile absolutely, but I think this has probably taken him to the next level. I just really hope this has spurred him on, I know it’s difficult for the England squad at this moment in time but for him personally, I thought he gave a lot throughout the campaign.
“Hopefully, that will stand him in good stead into the new season and he’ll be really confident for Villa heading into the Champions League as well.”
Will Ollie Watkins exit Aston Villa amid Arsenal transfer speculation?
Unai Emery will be desperate to keep Watkins this summer. The Spaniard has already lost one of his star players in Douglas Luiz and will be in no rush to lose his primary source of goals only weeks later.
While the Villans are well-stocked in most areas of the pitch, they lack depth in attack. The only real option other than the England international is Jhon Duran and his future has been shrouded in speculation as well.
Unless Villa receive a crazy offer for the 28-year-old between now and the start of the season, it seems unlikely Watkins will be departing Villa Park this summer, even if he has caught the eye of some huge clubs.
Hopefully, his entire focus is just on the upcoming Champions League campaign as Hutton suggested as that would be a massive early boost to both Emery and his team.
In other Aston Villa news, talks around Duran’s future are expected to “drag on” after links with a move to West Ham United this summer
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