Ollie Watkins could be let go as Aston Villa turn attention to marquee striker signing

Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa has been heavily speculated upon in recent months.

The striker has been inconsistent throughout most of the 2025-26 campaign, with many of his goals coming in quick spells.

As a result, Unai Emery could be eyeing a potential upgrade, especially with Watkins getting no younger at 30 years old.

O Jogo has claimed that Aston Villa are eyeing Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis after a top season for the Portuguese club.

Now, this could spell the end for Watkins at Villa as Emery eyes numerous signings this summer.

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Pavlidis has been excellent for Benfica throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Overall, the striker has netted 30 goals in all competitions, while he has also picked up five assists.

This also includes a winner against Sporting CP in the Portuguese Super Cup final.

Now, interest in the 27-year-old is growing, with Villa battling Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

As a result, it is increasingly clear that Emery is eyeing a replacement for Watkins and will look to cash in on the England international during the upcoming transfer window.

Tammy Abraham only signed for the club in the summer, and it is unlikely that he will depart so soon.

Therefore, Watkins will surely make way, with Pavlidis potentially coming in as a replacement during the summer transfer window.

However, it remains to be seen if the Greece international would be able to replicate the form Watkins has managed to produce for a number of years at Villa Park.

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Aston Villa feel well-placed to beat Leeds United and secure the signature of Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita.

Morita is set to depart Sporting as a free agent at the end of the season, and sources say that he is currently “exploring all his options,” with Emery chasing his signature.

Villa hope to convince the 31-year-old to make a summer move, with their recent Champions League qualification no doubt a boost in their hunt for the midfielder.

Villa must work against a backdrop of PSR restrictions this summer, and now aim to bring in Morita on a free transfer.

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