‘Major Problem’: Why Unai Emery could push Ollie Watkins out of Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins could be allowed to leave Aston Villa at the end of the season as his struggles in front of goal are becoming a major problem for Unai Emery.
The 30-year-old has scored just eight goals in 37 appearances across all competitions so far this season including just one in his last six as Aston Villa‘s form has stuttered.
Emery is expected to be key to any decision over the striker’s future as the pair share a close relationship, but confidence in his long-term role in the side is fading.
As a result, former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Villa could now be open to letting Watkins leave, despite previously blocking his exit.
The arrival of Tammy Abraham, who has scored two goals in five appearances and just two starts so far, could tempt Villa to dip into the market again in the summer.
Ollie Watkins could leave Aston Villa in new twist
Brown previously told Football Insider that Emery has been keen to stick by Watkins despite his poor form and has backed him to return to his best level.
However, his continued struggles in front of goal have been highlighted by Abraham’s arrival, with the competition for places casting doubt over his position.
“I think there’s a chance Aston Villa could let Watkins go,” Brown told Football Insider.
“A lot will depend on what Unai Emery wants to do, but it’s difficult to tell what he’s thinking about him because he has been keen to stick with him.
“He knows his strengths, knows what he offers to the team, and they’ve built a strong relationship since he’s been at Villa, so it will be on him to make the call.
“But they have to say, at the end of the day, what’s the net result? He hasn’t been good enough.
“It hasn’t been his best season, that’s for sure, and the thing now is that Villa’s form has dipped a bit and he isn’t scoring goals, so it’s becoming a major problem for them.
“When you’re struggling with a bit of a loss of form, you need your striker to step up, but Watkins has been wasteful with his opportunities.
“Now Tammy Abraham has come in as well, he’s putting pressure on and scoring goals, and he’s shown Villa that maybe they don’t need Watkins as much.”
Unai Emery sets sights on new strikers after Tammy Abraham
Brown told Football Insider in November that Aston Villa wanted to sign a top-class striker in January, before Abraham’s arrival confirmed their plans.
However, they are not expected to be done with the new additions, with plans being put in place to land a new goalscorer when the summer window opens.
A number of potential targets are being assessed as they were in January, with the club’s financial situation also expected to have improved.
One name on their list of targets was Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will likely be available again in the summer after pushing for a move in January.
The striker missed out on a move to AC Milan after failing a medical, but will continue his recovery at Palace before being allowed to find a new club.
For more updates on Emery’s transfer plans ahead of the summer, head over to Aston Villa News.