Aston Villa is ready to break up with star striker Ollie Watkins within the next three days as it urgently attempts to navigate Premier League profits and sustainability rules (PSR), sources told Soccer Insider.
The villa is facing a sensitive financial situation. The club can only register losses of around £15 million that year, as Premier League PSR allows for a total loss of £105 million over three years and a total loss of £105 million over three years.
Current forecasts suggest that villas are on track to infringe these restrictions, prompting the club’s owning group NSWE to urgently explore financial strategies to ensure compliance.
Aston Villa wants to sell striker Ollie Watkins
These financial concerns have led the villa to consider dramatic measures, including an investigation into the sales of women’s teams. But the potential sales of Watkins currently appears to be the most direct route for the club that balances the book.
Watkins is a consistent performer under Unai Emery, scoring 17 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions last season.
He is one of the most reliable strikers in the Premier League, so Villa had previously turned down a £40 million bid from Arsenal in January.
Arsenal has expressed interest in England International, but has not returned with official bids this summer.
Villa has now notified senior agents that Watkins is available for sale, but at this time it has not found a buyer to accommodate the forward rating of the charm.
Watkins’ potential departure would be a major blow to Emery’s plan. However, the urgent need for clubs to comply with financial regulations may have few options if appropriate offers are received in the coming days.
What’s next for Watkins?
Although there is no shortage of clubs that will benefit from Watkins’ qualities with Premier League aspects, such as the options of surveillance strikers for Chelsea and Manchester United, Arsenal has been able to revisit their interests.
The willingness to sell star strikers within such a tight time frame highlights the serious challenges clubs face under PSR regulations.
Villa fans will be watching with concern as the situation develops. We recognize that the next few days could shape the club’s immediate and long-term future.
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