Aston Villa had been aware of Al Hilal’s admiration for Ollie Watkins for some time.When reports in Saudi Arabia started to surface last week, it came as no surprise.The impression from multiple sources was that Villa’s greatest Premier League goalscorer would stay, owing to a huge summer of change whereby long-standing Villa team-mates have already departed.The other unknown was whether any interested suitor would stump up enough money to convince Villa otherwise.Led by the wishes of manager Unai Emery, who wants Watkins to stay, Villa are insistent they intend to keep the forward.Yet, even though the sense is he will remain, there is trepidation. In short, every player has a price. Villa sources have repeatedly asserted Watkins is being fully relied upon this season.The 30-year-old returned for pre-season last Sunday, with Emery granting those who lasted the full duration at the World Cup four weeks off, in the belief that they would remain fresh and prove in better stead later on this season.To discuss Watkins’ future, past links to Arsenal and Manchester United, plus what an exit would mean for Villa, The Athletic spoke to various sources attached to Villa, other clubs and close to the player who were granted anonymity to protect relationships.Where would a Watkins exit leave Villa?Regardless of Watkins’ attempts to return early, the three players whose pre-season was shortened are connected.Emiliano Martinez’s future is also uncertain while Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Konsa worth £51million ($69.4m) plus add-ons. He will have a medical today (Thursday).Martinez had long wanted to leave and Villa, over the weekend, decided they could do without the ongoing dramatics. They pushed ahead for a deal for Parma’s Zion Suzuki, only for Martinez’s move to Juventus to be kiboshed by the Serie A club. Martinez returned to Bodymoor Heath on Tuesday, with Villa now helping the 33-year-old find a new destination elsewhere.Arsenal have agreed a deal for Konsa (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)The trio represent the team’s spine and solid foundations upon which Emery’s Villa have been built. All in central positions, all becoming seasoned internationals under Emery and now, gradually symbolising Villa’s flagrant summer of change.As is Emery’s way, Villa had their list of target areas to address. Both full-back positions and a winger. Best-laid plans often pivot depending on Emery’s rationale and if players depart.