Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks with Ollie Watkins over a new contract as we look to reward him for his excellent form this season under Unai Emery.
Watkins, 27, joined us from Brentford in September 2020, and has since gone on to score 42 goals in 112 appearances for Villa, registering double figures in goals in each season he has been in the Premier League.
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While he struggled early on in this campaign, he has flourished under Emery since he took charge back in November, scoring 12 of his 14 league goals this season under him, while also contributing four assists.
Having established himself as a key figure under the Villa boss, it’s no surprise that a new contract has been mooted, and so it remains to be seen how the touted talks progress in the coming weeks and months, provided the report below is accurate.
According to The Athletic, Villa have opened talks with Watkins over a new deal, and so it’s hoped that the two parties can reach a new agreement to extend his stay with the club.
Emery showed real faith in Watkins in January with the decision to green light an exit for Danny Ings, making the England international his first-choice and leading man up top.
With Cameron Archer loaned out and Jhon Duran needing time to adapt, there has been a significant amount of responsibility and trust placed on Watkins, and he has certainly delivered by firing us into contention for Europe.
A new contract would not only be a reward for that fine form and progression, but it would be a clear sign that he is a big part of our plans moving forward under Emery, and so it remains to be seen if it can be sealed before the season finishes or if it is something that will wait until the summer given our full focus is still on Europe right now.
Either way, while Villa certainly need to add quality competition and depth up front this summer, Watkins will be an important piece in our pursuit of success, and it’s hoped we can secure his long-term future with his current deal set to expire in June 2025.