Aston Villa began their Premier League campaign against Brighton without two key figures from last season's squad, as striker Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez were both left out of the matchday group amid growing uncertainty over their futures at the club.
Watkins, who has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, did not travel with the squad to the south coast, a decision likely to fuel further talk of a potential departure before the transfer window closes. Manager Unai Emery confirmed that offers had already been received for the England international, though he stopped short of guaranteeing the striker's future lies away from Villa Park.
"We have an issue with him, it's clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him," Emery said. "I don't want to sell him but it can change because if it's a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving."
The Spanish coach was clear about his admiration for Watkins, insisting the forward remains central to his plans for now. "With Ollie, he is here, for me he is a fantastic striker, we have always believed in him," he added. "Now he is our player, there are 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window, we will see what happens, I'm happy with him, if he is staying with us he will continue playing his level."
Emery also suggested that any potential exit would need to suit all parties involved. "If he leaving it's because it is good for three ways, one is him, another is the club and another is the team," he said.
Martinez's absence from the squad was attributed to a lack of match sharpness following his return from a break after the Club World Cup, rather than any confirmed move away from the club. The Argentine goalkeeper had reportedly been close to a switch to Juventus, though that deal fell through after the two clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee.
With the possibility of Martinez leaving still looming, Villa have already brought in cover between the posts, completing the signing of Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma in a deal worth £30 million. Suzuki, who had also been a target for Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, was named among the substitutes for the trip to the Amex Stadium, with Marco Bizot – last season's backup – handed the starting role in goal.
Emery addressed the goalkeeping situation directly, praising both options at his disposal while acknowledging Martinez's ongoing interest in a new challenge. "We have two excellent goalkeepers, of course we signed Suzuki not for the future but for now," he said. "He showed his capacity to get his performance to our level. He will need to adapt to us but he is playing at this level."
On Martinez specifically, Emery revealed that the shot-stopper had expressed a desire to explore new opportunities. "Martinez transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career," he said. "Even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change for his challenges. He didn't do it last year and he performed fantastic with us. This year, again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper."
The uncertainty surrounding Watkins and Martinez comes on the back of a summer of significant departures from Villa's Europa League-winning squad. The club has already sold four members of the starting eleven that lifted the trophy two months ago, including Ezri Konsa's £51 million move to champions Arsenal, Morgan Rogers' record £117 million switch to Chelsea, as well as the exits of Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.
Based on reporting from The Independent.