Watkins and Martinez both absent as Aston Villa face Brighton amid Saudi and Juventus exit talk

Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were both absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad for their Premier League opener against Brighton at the Amex Stadium, with transfer speculation surrounding both players intensifying as a result.

Watkins is wanted by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, and his omission from the travelling squad to the south coast will only heighten that speculation. Manager Unai Emery has confirmed bids have been received for the England international, while insisting he does not want to sell him.

“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him,” said Emery. “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.”

Emery added that any departure would need to work for all parties: “If he is leaving it’s because it is good for three ways — one is him, another is the club and another is the team.”

Martinez’s absence is attributed to a lack of match fitness following his post-World Cup break, though the goalkeeper has also been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park. A proposed switch to Juventus collapsed after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.

Villa appear to have prepared for the possibility of losing their first-choice goalkeeper, signing Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m — a player who had also attracted interest from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. Suzuki started on the bench against Brighton, with Marco Bizot deputising in goal.

“Martinez transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career,” Emery said. “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 departures of Watkins and Martinez, if confirmed, would continue a significant summer overhaul at Villa Park. The club has already sold four members of the starting XI that won the Europa League two months ago, including Ezri Konsa — who joined Arsenal for £51m — and Morgan Rogers, who moved to Chelsea in a club-record £117m deal. With roughly ten days remaining in the transfer window, Emery acknowledged the situation remains fluid.