Ollie Watkins' stance on leaving Aston Villa revealed - 'He has been clear with Unai Emery'
Ollie Watkins is keen to stay at Aston Villa this summer despite the club putting plans in place to bring in a new big-name striker.
The 30-year-old has been a crucial part of the plans at Villa Park since his arrival in 2020, and is hoping to play a key role in the Champions Legaue campaign this season.
Despite a dip in form last term, the striker finished the season with 21 goals in all competitions, including crucial efforts in their run to winning the Europa League.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Watkins has no intention of persuing a move away from Villa Park and hopes to be part of Unai Emery's plans.
The striker and the boss share a close relationship, having worked together over a number of years now, and with Watkins having been key to Villa's recent success.
Emery is also believed to be reluctant to let his centre-forward move on, despite putting plans in place to bring in a new big-name striker before the transfer window closes.
How does Ollie Watkins feel about leaving Aston Villa?
Brown told Football Insider last month that Emery has no plans to lose Watkins this month and still sees him as a valuable asset, regardless of whether a new striker is signed.
The England international is believed to be on the same page, and will not push for a move away, despite ongoing links with a move to Turkey which could see him land a huge wage.
As a result, Villa are likely to head into the season with Watkins leading the line alongside a potential new addition should they be able to get a deal over the line.
"It seems to happen every couple of months, Watkins is linked with a move away from Villa," Brown told Football Insider.
"It's become clear that Aston Villa want to sign a new striker and they're being linked with some big names, but I don't think it will have any impact on Watkins' situation.
"From what I've heard, he wants to stay at Aston Villa, and he has been clear with Unai Emery that he wants to stay as part of his plans.
"Watkins has been such an important player for Aston Villa for such a long time, and he wants to keep being an important player when they're in the Champions League this season.
"Even if another striker does come in, Watkins will back himself to stay in the side, because Aston Villa know what he can do and what he brings to the team.
"I think on both sides they will want him to stick around, so I don't imagine he will be allowed to leave Aston Villa regardless of where the interest might be."
Which strikers are on Aston Villa's radar?
Speculation about Watkins' long-term future at Villa Park has come amid links with a number of top strikers as Emery looks to bolster his options in the market.
Having qualified for the Champions League this season, Aston Villa are hopeful that they can land big-name players to improve their chances of going deep into the competition.
Former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 24 July that Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is high on the list of targets, and the move could be "perfect" for all parties.
The Senegal international has returned to Stamford Bridge following a loan spell at Bayern Munich, and is now eyeing a permanent move away.
Having previously worked closely alongside Emery during their time together at Villarreal and a reunion between the pair could be the ideal next step for the striker.