Aston Villa refuse to sell striker Ollie Watkins despite exit links | OneFootball

Aston Villa are not under pressure to sell striker Ollie Watkins even though he continues to be linked with a move this summer (h/t Birmingham Mail).

The Villains do not plan on selling him despite many people suggesting that concerns over the Premier League and UEFA’s financial fair play rules may force their hand.

Senior sources at Villa reportedly believe they have done enough to stay in the green.

The England international can stay, especially after selling Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United, taking their sales tally to £285 million since June 2024.

Arsenal and Manchester United were tracking Watkins after another brilliant season in front of goal.

Watkins, who earns £130,000 per week, bagged 17 goals and 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions last season.

The 29-year-old can improve on his wastefulness in front of goal, but he is still a terrific striker.

Watkins looks set to stay at Villa beyond this summer, which would be a massive boost for manager Unai Emery as they compete on multiple fronts this season.

However, Villa may need another centre-forward to provide competition for Watkins, hence the interest in Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, even if the asking price may be too steep.

Emery knows Jackson well from their time together at Villarreal and would welcome the chance to oversee his development again in Birmingham.

The Senegal international has shown flashes of quality since joining Chelsea in a £32 million deal, netting 17 goals in his debut campaign before experiencing a dip last season.

Villa view him as a player who could learn under Watkins, sharpen his finishing, and eventually take the reins as their number nine.

While the asking price may be steep, Jackson fits the profile of a striker who could provide immediate competition while also serving as Watkins’ natural successor.