**Aston Villa’s Transfer Stance on Ollie Watkins Could Lead to Shock Swap Deal with Chelsea or Manchester United*
**BIRMINGHAM —** Aston Villa’s evolving position on the future of England international **Ollie Watkins** has sparked major transfer intrigue, with sources suggesting the club is **open to negotiations** that could lead to a **blockbuster swap deal** involving either **Chelsea** or **Manchester United**. The striker, who has become one of Villa’s most valuable assets under Unai Emery, is now at the center of a potential transfer storm just weeks before the 2024–25 Premier League season kicks off.
### Change in Stance from Aston Villa
While Aston Villa have long insisted that Watkins is “not for sale,” insiders close to the club reveal that there has been a **subtle shift in tone** in recent discussions behind the scenes. Club executives are understood to be **willing to listen to serious offers**, especially if those proposals include **established players** in return — a move that could allow Villa to balance financial gains with immediate on-field reinforcement.
This marks a departure from previous summers, when Watkins — who scored **19 goals and assisted 13** in the 2023–24 league campaign — was deemed untouchable. However, with **Champions League football** on the horizon, Villa’s leadership is focused on reshaping the squad for the physical and tactical demands of Europe, and that could mean making tough decisions, even involving top performers.
### ⚖️ Chelsea and Manchester United Monitoring Closely
Both Chelsea and Manchester United have been long-time admirers of Watkins. Chelsea, still hunting for a reliable goalscorer after the inconsistent form of Nicolas Jackson and the departure of Romelu Lukaku, view Watkins as an ideal fit for Enzo Maresca’s pressing system.
United, on the other hand, are looking to add depth behind rising star Rasmus Højlund. With Erik ten Hag set to remain at the helm, Watkins’ work rate and versatility make him an appealing target.
Sources from both clubs suggest that **swap deals** could be a feasible option, given the Financial Fair Play constraints affecting many Premier League sides. In such a scenario, players like **Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, or Mason Mount (returning from injury)** at Chelsea, or **Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho** at United, could be offered in exchange.
### What Has Watkins Said?
Ollie Watkins has remained tight-lipped throughout the speculation. The 28-year-old, who has firmly established himself in Gareth Southgate’s England setup, is reportedly **happy at Villa**, but open to a move if it aligns with his career ambitions — particularly with a club that can offer consistent European football and a chance to win silverware.
One source close to the player said:
> “Ollie loves playing under Emery and enjoys the system. But like any top player, he’s aware of what’s happening around him. If a Champions League-caliber move arises — especially one with a strong personal project — he will at least consider it.”
### Villa’s Champions League Balancing Act
Villa’s qualification for the Champions League has created both **opportunity and pressure**. The club is now facing the dual challenge of reinforcing its squad without disrupting the chemistry that brought them success. Letting Watkins go could help them bring in multiple high-level players — but it risks losing their most reliable attacking outlet.
Aston Villa’s technical director Monchi and head coach Unai Emery are reportedly aligned in ensuring that **any exit must lead to immediate quality coming in**. That’s why a player-plus-cash deal is viewed as more attractive than a simple sale.
### Potential Scenarios
* **To Chelsea:** Watkins in exchange for Conor Gallagher and a transfer fee. Gallagher’s contract expires in 2025 and Chelsea are keen to offload before losing him for free.
* **To Manchester United:** Watkins for McTominay plus £25–30 million. United are looking to trim their midfield, and Villa may see McTominay as a versatile option.
* **Stay at Villa:** Watkins signs a renewed deal with improved wages and performance incentives — an option still very much on the table if negotiations with other clubs stall.
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**Conclusion:**
Aston Villa’s evolving stance on Ollie Watkins has opened the door to a potentially dramatic summer transfer twist, with swap deals involving Chelsea or Manchester United now in play. While Villa weigh their options carefully ahead of their Champions League return, the coming weeks may decide whether Watkins remains the face of their attack — or becomes the centerpiece of a high-profile exchange that reshapes their future.
