Aston Villa are poised to enter the market for forward Nicolas Jackson should they reach an agreement that sends Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Chelsea have placed a £65 million valuation on Jackson, reflecting his rising reputation after a productive loan spell at Bayern Munich. Al Hilal have been in active negotiations for Watkins, who has expressed a strong desire to experience football in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi club have already tabled at least one offer that Villa rejected, with the initial bid reported to be around £38.5 million. While Villa are reluctant to part with Watkins, Al Hilal are determined to secure the England international, who notched 16 Premier League goals in the previous campaign and played a pivotal role in Villa’s triumphant Europa League run.
Beyond the Saudi interest, Atletico Madrid have also signaled a desire to acquire Jackson, though they appear to favour a loan arrangement rather than a permanent transfer. Chelsea, however, are insistent on a full sale, having watched Jackson develop during his loan stint with Bayern Munich last season.
The two English clubs share a history of cooperation at senior levels, having previously facilitated the record‑breaking moves involving Morgan Rogers and Alejandro Garnacho to Villa’s claret‑and‑blue kit. Jackson’s connection to Villa manager Unai Emery runs deep; the pair previously worked together at Villarreal, where Emery first identified the striker’s potential. This familiarity could smooth any future negotiations between the clubs. In related news, Villa fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments via Sky Sports, which offers live Premier League streaming on mobile devices and flexible subscription options for those without a traditional Sky package.
The club’s transfer activity remains a hot topic on the network’s Transfer Centre Live segment. Emery addressed the situation in a pre‑match press conference before Villa’s clash with Brighton. He acknowledged the club’s stance on Watkins, stating, "We have an issue with him, it is clear. We received offers, but he remains our player.
I am not inclined to sell unless it truly benefits the player, the club, and we can find an adequate replacement. He is a fantastic striker and we have always supported him." The manager added that with only ten days left in the transfer window, decisions would hinge on what best serves all parties involved. When questioned about Watkins’ personal wishes, Emery replied, "I don’t know, perhaps you have more insight than we do. Football is evolving, and players are professionals.
Watkins is our player." The 30‑year‑old striker is being linked as a potential successor to Karim Benzema at Al Hilal, with the Saudi outfit also exploring ways to resolve Benzema’s contractual situation to enable his departure. Watkins’ impressive season, highlighted by his 16 league goals, helped Villa secure both the Europa League trophy and a spot in the following season’s Champions League.
His performances also earned him a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, underscoring his growing stature on the international stage. The goalkeeper department at Villa is also undergoing scrutiny. Emery confirmed that Emiliano Martínez is contemplating a new challenge elsewhere, prompting the club to sign Japanese international Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this summer. A potential move for Martínez to Juventus fell through, leaving the Argentine keeper at Villa for the time being.
Emery emphasized that the club now possesses two high‑quality custodians, stating, "We have two excellent keepers. Suzuki was brought in not just for the future but to contribute immediately.
He has demonstrated the ability to perform at our level." Martínez, who has expressed a desire for a fresh challenge both this year and previously, remains committed to Villa for now, delivering strong performances. Emery concluded, "We will see what happens. The scenario is that we have two great goalkeepers, and we will assess the situation as it unfolds." Overall, Aston Villa find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the ambition to retain key talent like Watkins and Martínez while also positioning themselves to acquire a high‑profile forward such as Nicolas Jackson.
The next ten days will be crucial as the club navigates offers, player preferences, and strategic objectives ahead of the summer transfer deadline.