‘Aston Villa make Ollie Watkins to Man United decision with Asensio’s fate sealed’
Aston Villa have made two significant transfer decisions on striker Ollie Watkins and PSG’s Marco Asensio.
Asensio spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa, whilst Watkins has been linked with a move away this summer amid interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
The PSG loanee scored eight goals and registered an assist in 21 appearances for the club, as he impressed in his time at Villa Park.
Watkins has become manager Unai Emery’s main source of goals, and the 29-year-old scored 17 in all competitions last season to help the club to a sixth placed Premier League finish.
Villa make transfer verdict on two stars
Villa have established their stance on Asensio and Watkins with pre-season about to begin.
It was exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Villa will not make a move for Asensio due to the costs involved in any deal.
However, Watkins not looks set to stay at the club as since the departure of John Duran he has reestablished himself as first choice.
Letting Watkins depart would also leave Emery without a recognised striker and a lack of goals up-front.
| Appearances | 223 |
| Goals | 87 |
| Assists | 42 |
The club are having to play smart in the transfer market due to PSR rules, so having no striker ahead of the start of the new season would create a major problem.
Emery wanted to keep Marcus Rashford following his loan spell, but the Manchester United forward’s wage demands meant a deal wasn’t feasible.
Watkins departure would leave Villa goal shy
The departure of the talented and creative Asensio will be a blow to Emery and shows the impact that PSR restrictions are having at the club.
The impact the Spaniard had, alongside Rashford, in the second part of last season gave Vila a different dimension in attack and contributed to their strong end to the season.
Keeping hold of Morgan Rogers, who is attracting interest, is now a key priority for Emery, who could also lose number one Emi Martinez and Jacob Ramsey.
The club now also want to keep Watkins, which is a necessity given their next top scorer last season was Rogers with eight.
Watkins would strengthen a rival if he was to leave with his smart movement and pace to threaten in-behind.
If Emery wants to keep Villa pushing towards the top end of the table he has to ensure he keeps his top talent otherwise with other club’s on the rise, they could quickly fall into mid-table.