Aston Villa appear poised to enter the market for forward Nicolas Jackson if they manage to offload striker Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Chelsea have placed a valuation of around £65 million on Jackson, reflecting his rising reputation after a strong loan spell at Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Al Hilal are actively negotiating with Villa over Watkins, who has expressed a desire to experience football in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi club have already rejected at least one offer for the England international, with their initial bid reported to be in the region of £38.5 million.
Despite the interest from Al Hilal, Villa are reluctant to part with Watkins. The striker enjoyed a prolific season, netting 16 league goals and playing a pivotal role in Villa’s triumphant Europa League campaign, which secured the club a place in the following season’s Champions League. Al Hilal are pressing hard for his signature, hoping to add a proven Premier League goal‑scorer to their ranks. Jackson, who impressed during his loan stint with Bayern Munich, is also attracting attention from other European clubs.
Atletico Madrid have signaled interest, although they seem to favour a temporary loan arrangement rather than a full purchase. Chelsea, Jackson’s parent club, are insisting on a permanent transfer, aiming to bring the player back into their long‑term plans.
The relationship between Chelsea and Villa remains strong at senior levels, having already completed several high‑profile deals this summer. Notably, the record‑breaking transfer of Morgan Rogers and the move of Alejandro Garnacho to the Blues were facilitated through close cooperation between the two Premier League sides. This rapport could smooth the pathway for any potential negotiations involving Jackson. Jackson’s connection to Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, adds another layer of intrigue.
Both men previously worked together at Villarreal, where Emery first oversaw Jackson’s development. Their shared history could influence the dynamics of any future deal.
In recent statements, Emery addressed the speculation surrounding Watkins. Speaking before a match against Brighton, he acknowledged that the club had received offers for the striker but emphasized that Watkins remains a valued member of the squad.
"We have an issue with him, it is clear," Emery said, before clarifying that while the club does not wish to sell, they are open to a move if it benefits the player, the club, and allows for a suitable replacement. He praised Watkins as a "fantastic striker" and reiterated his commitment to the player’s welfare. When pressed about whether Watkins had formally requested a transfer, Emery admitted uncertainty, noting that "the players are professional and Watkins is our player." He added that the situation reflects the evolving nature of modern football, where player movement is increasingly fluid.
Beyond the forward line, Villa are also dealing with potential changes in goalkeeping. Emery confirmed that Argentine keeper Emiliano Martínez has expressed a desire for a new challenge, prompting the club to sign Japanese international Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier in the summer. Although a move to Juventus for Martínez fell through, the Argentine remains at Villa, with his future still under review. Emery highlighted that the club now boasts two high‑quality custodians, stating, "We have two excellent keepers.
We have signed Suzuki not for the future, but for now. He has shown his capacity and that he can play at our level." Martínez’s ambition to explore a different path has been a recurring theme. Emery explained that Martínez has communicated his wish for a fresh challenge both last season and this year, and while he stayed and performed admirably, the club respects his aspirations.
The signing of Suzuki is intended to provide depth and competition, ensuring Villa retain a strong defensive foundation regardless of Martínez’s eventual decision. Al Hilal’s pursuit of Watkins is also linked to broader strategic moves in Saudi football. The club is reportedly preparing a deal to replace French striker Karim Benzema, whose contract situation is currently under negotiation.
By acquiring a proven Premier League scorer like Watkins, Al Hilal hope to bolster their attacking options while navigating the complexities of Benzema’s departure. If Villa were to secure Watkins’ transfer, the financial windfall could enable them to activate the Jackson clause, potentially bringing the English forward back to the Premier League on a permanent basis.
Such a scenario would not only strengthen Villa’s attacking arsenal but also maintain the strong ties between Chelsea and Villa, reinforcing a partnership that has already yielded multiple successful transactions. In summary, Aston Villa find themselves at a crossroads: retain a high‑scoring striker who has been instrumental in recent silverware, or capitalize on a lucrative offer from Al Hilal to fund the acquisition of a top‑tier forward in Nicolas Jackson. The next ten days of the transfer window will be decisive, as Emery and his staff weigh the sporting and financial implications of each option, while also managing the aspirations of key players like Watkins and Martínez. The outcome will shape Villa’s squad composition heading into the new season and could set the tone for future collaborations between English and Saudi clubs.