Aston Villa told to pay £70m for ‘potential Ollie Watkins replacement’
Aston Villa are going to have to pay big bucks if they are to replace Ollie Watkins this summer.
Watkins has been a consistent performer at Villa Park, but there is a feeling he could leave the West Midlands club this window.
Missing out on the Champions League and PSR problems means that Unai Emery may have to sell one of his prized assets.
However, if they are to replace the 29-year-old, then they have been told to pay £70million for a potential replacement.
Aston Villa in battle to sign Premier League striker
Finding a goalscorer is never easy, but Aston Villa did possess two in John Duran and Watkins.
Alas, it was always going to be difficult for Emery to fit both in, which meant Duran was sold to Al-Nassr in the winter window.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford arrived on loan and showed promise, but he looks to be on his way to Barcelona.
As Villa cast their eyes elsewhere, they have been linked with a move for Brighton forward João Pedro.
| Joao Pedro’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 27 (23) |
| Goals | 10 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 8.90 |
| Penalty goals | 5 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Goal conversion | 21% |
However, the Seagulls have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on the Brazilian, according to The Sun on Sunday (1 June, page 58).
The Villans face stiff competition to land the 23-year-old, with Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Liverpool all keen on the Brighton man.
João Pedro would be downgrade on Ollie Watkins
While Pedro is a wanted man, that does not mean he is the answer for Emery and Villa.
Sure, the 23-year-old has potential, but his numbers in the Premier League do not make for impressive reading.
Pedro bagged 10 league goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, but half of those were from the penalty spot.
Of course, the Brazilian’s penalty record is exemplary, but that should not be the reason to sign him.
The forward’s all-around game is good, and his six Premier League assists demonstrate his value to the team.
However, statistics do not lie, and Pedro will need to up his numbers if he is to become an Aston Villa player.
By comparison, Watkins scored 16 league goals, which is more than triple what the Brazilian achieved.
If Villa do pursue a deal for Pedro, then they will need to lower the £70million price tag.