BREAKING: Aston Villa FC Refuse To Include Two Players In Trade Packages — Details Emerge on the Two Star Players Refused to Be Included in Potential Trade Packages
In a bold statement of intent, Aston Villa FC have drawn a firm line in the sand during ongoing transfer window discussions, making it clear that two of their most prized assets are completely off-limits. 
Sources close to the club confirm that, despite intense approaches from rival Premier League giants and European heavyweights, the Midlands club has flatly refused to include Ollie Watkins and Emiliano “Emi” Martínez in any potential trade package.
The stance underscores Villa’s ambition under manager Unai Emery as they prepare for another demanding campaign both domestically and in Europe. With the club recently achieving a return to the Champions League and boasting one of the most competitive squads in their modern history, this decision sends a resounding message: Aston Villa are not here to sell — they are here to compete.
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The Background: A Fierce Summer Transfer Window
The summer of 2025 has already proven to be one of the busiest in Premier League history. Clubs are aggressively reshaping their rosters ahead of the 2025/26 season, with many seeking to lure away the Premier League’s brightest talents.
Aston Villa’s resurgence under Emery has not gone unnoticed. Their rise into the upper echelons of the league table, combined with their smart recruitment and tactical evolution, has made several Villa players prime targets for wealthy rivals.
Reports indicate that multiple clubs — including top-six Premier League sides and at least two Champions League regulars from Spain and Italy — inquired about potential package deals involving Villa players. Yet every single conversation that hinted at Watkins or Martínez being part of the exchange was immediately shut down.
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Ollie Watkins: The Relentless Forward
Ollie Watkins’ stock has never been higher. The 29-year-old striker enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season, becoming Aston Villa’s all-time leading Premier League goal scorer and securing the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award. His unique blend of pace, intelligent movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing has made him one of the most feared attackers in England.
Beyond statistics, Watkins has become the emotional heartbeat of Villa’s forward line. He thrives in Emery’s fluid attacking setup, capable of stretching defenses, pressing aggressively from the front, and providing crucial assists. Sources say Emery considers Watkins irreplaceable — not just for his goals, but for the balance and tactical flexibility he offers.
One unnamed club is believed to have offered a cash-plus-player deal worth upwards of £90 million, yet Villa didn’t even entertain negotiations. To the hierarchy at Villa Park, Watkins is central to their Champions League campaign and their long-term project.
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Emiliano Martínez: The Wall Between the Posts
If Watkins is Villa’s spearhead, Martínez is their shield. The 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper with Argentina is widely regarded as one of the best — if not the best — in his position worldwide. His commanding presence, sharp reflexes, and ability to produce game-saving moments have been instrumental in Villa’s defensive stability.
Martínez’s leadership extends far beyond the penalty area. He is a vocal organiser, often dictating defensive shape and providing a calm but authoritative presence during high-pressure situations. His penalty-saving record is among the best in Europe, making him an invaluable asset in knockout competitions.
Clubs from both the Premier League and Serie A made approaches, with one Italian giant reportedly offering a star forward in exchange. Yet, Villa’s sporting director Monchi and Emery were unanimous: Martínez is non-negotiable.
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Why Villa’s Refusal Matters
This isn’t simply about keeping good players — it’s about sending a message to the football world.
1. Ambition Over Profit
In an era where even top clubs sometimes sell their stars to fund squad rebuilding, Villa’s refusal is a declaration of competitive intent. They’re prioritising on-pitch success over short-term financial gain.
2. Champions League Push
With a spot in Europe’s elite competition secured, Villa know the margins are razor-thin. Losing either Watkins or Martínez would weaken their spine and harm their chances of progressing deep into the tournament.
3. Squad Stability
Emery’s system thrives on familiarity and understanding between players. Watkins and Martínez are not just high-performing individuals — they’re embedded leaders whose absence could destabilise team chemistry.
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Inside the Negotiations That Never Happened
According to transfer insiders, some of the inquiries were “testing the waters” — seeing if Villa might consider a blockbuster deal in the right circumstances. These discussions rarely progressed beyond the first phone call once Watkins or Martínez’s names were floated.
One club source described the conversations as “short, polite, and final”, reflecting the club’s unwavering stance. Another insider revealed that Emery personally communicated to the board weeks ago that these two names should be off-limits, regardless of incoming offers.
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Fans’ Reaction: Pride and Relief
Among Aston Villa supporters, news of the refusal has been met with widespread celebration. Social media platforms lit up with praise for the club’s hardline position. On fan forums, many described it as “the clearest sign yet that Villa are ready to challenge for silverware.”
Long-time supporters remember all too well the days when star players — from Gareth Barry to Jack Grealish — were eventually prised away by richer clubs. This new era, under the combined leadership of Emery, Monchi, and the club’s ambitious ownership, feels markedly different.
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Expert Opinions
Football pundit Chris Sutton commented:
> “If Villa want to stay in the top four conversation, you can’t sell your best striker and your best goalkeeper in the same summer. Emery knows that, and this is a statement of intent.”
Meanwhile, former Villa captain Gabriel Agbonlahor went further:
> “We’ve seen what happens when you let key players go — you go backwards. Villa keeping Watkins and Martínez is the equivalent of signing two world-class players without spending a penny.”
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The Road Ahead for Villa
The 2025/26 season promises to be a defining chapter in Aston Villa’s modern history. With the Premier League’s elite strengthening and the demands of Champions League football looming, depth and star quality will be vital.
Watkins will be tasked with leading the line against Europe’s toughest defenses, while Martínez will face some of the world’s sharpest attacking talents. The pair’s continued presence provides stability, quality, and the kind of competitive edge Villa will need if they are to progress deep into knockout stages and maintain a top-four domestic push.
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Conclusion: A Signal of Seriousness
By refusing to even consider trade packages involving Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa have made a statement far louder than any transfer signing could. They are no longer a club content to simply participate — they aim to compete at the very highest level.
The message to rivals is crystal clear: if you want Villa’s best, don’t bother calling.
With these two cornerstones still in place, and Emery’s tactical blueprint continuing to evolve, the claret-and-blue faithful have every reason to believe that this could be the season when ambition turns into silverware.