Aston Villa are poised to enter the market for forward Nicolas Jackson should they agree to let Ollie Watkins join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Chelsea have placed a £65 million price tag on Jackson, reflecting his high standing after a successful loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Al Hilal remain in active negotiations for Watkins, who has expressed a strong desire to move to the Kingdom. The Saudi club have already turned down at least one offer for the England striker, with their initial bid reported to be around £38.5 million. Despite the interest, Villa are reluctant to part with Watkins, who netted 16 Premier League goals last season and played a pivotal role in the club’s Europa League triumph and subsequent qualification for another Champions League campaign.
The Saudi outfit, however, are determined to secure the 30‑year‑old forward, even as they explore a potential deal for French star Karim Benzema, aiming to free up a marquee signing. Jackson’s name has also surfaced in the interest list of Atletico Madrid, although the Spanish side appear to favour a loan arrangement rather than a full purchase.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are insisting on a permanent transfer, having seen Jackson develop during his season-long loan at Bayern. The relationship between Chelsea and Villa is reportedly strong at senior levels, with both clubs already completing significant transactions this summer, notably the record‑breaking swap involving Morgan Rogers and Alejandro Garnacho. Jackson’s connection to Villa goes beyond the transfer market; he previously worked under current Villa manager Unai Emery at Villarreal, establishing a professional rapport that could smooth any future move. Meanwhile, Villa’s own transfer strategy continues to evolve.
The club recently secured Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, adding depth to the goalkeeping department after a failed pursuit of Juventus‑bound Emiliano Martínez. Though Martínez remains at Villa, Emery hinted that the Argentine keeper may be seeking a new challenge, leaving the door open for future changes.
In a pre‑match press conference ahead of the Sunday clash with Brighton, Emery addressed the situation surrounding Watkins. "We have an issue with him, it is clear," he said, emphasizing that while offers have been made, Watkins is still a Villa player. "I don’t want to sell him but it can change if it is a good option for him, the club and I can replace him in the squad.
He is here and is a fantastic striker. We have always believed and supported him." When pressed about Watkins’ desire to leave, Emery responded, "I don’t know, maybe you have more information than us!
Football is changing. The players are professional and Watkins is our player." He added that the transfer window has only ten days left, suggesting that any decision will hinge on the club’s broader plans and the financial terms offered. Beyond the forward line, Villa’s goalkeeping situation remains a talking point.
Emery praised both Martínez and Suzuki, stating, "We have two excellent keepers. We signed Suzuki not for the future, but for now.
He has shown his capacity and that he can play at our level. Martínez has expressed a desire for another challenge, both this year and last, but he stayed and performed fantastically. This year, again, he communicated his wish for a new challenge, and we signed Suzuki to replace him.
However, the scenario we have is that we have two great goalkeepers. We will see what will happen." The broader context of the transfer saga underscores the shifting dynamics of modern football.
Saudi clubs, flush with investment, are increasingly targeting top talent from Europe, offering lucrative contracts that can sway players seeking new experiences or financial security. Watkins’ potential move to Al Hilal reflects this trend, as the Saudi side aims to bolster its attacking options while also navigating the complex contractual situation of Benzema. If Villa ultimately decide to sell Watkins, the club will likely need to replace his goal contributions.
Jackson, with his proven Premier League record and experience at elite European clubs, would be a logical target. His £65 million valuation aligns with the market’s perception of his quality, and a successful deal could provide Villa with both a substantial fee and a high‑calibre striker to lead the line.
Conversely, should Villa retain Watkins, the club may look to strengthen other areas, perhaps by exploring loan options for Jackson or targeting additional midfield reinforcements to complement their existing squad. The club’s recent activity, including the acquisition of Suzuki and the ongoing assessment of Martínez’s future, indicates a proactive approach to squad management. In summary, Aston Villa stand at a crossroads: the potential departure of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal could trigger a cascade of transfer activity, with Nicolas Jackson emerging as a prime candidate to fill the void. The next ten days will be crucial as negotiations unfold, offers are evaluated, and the club balances financial considerations with on‑field ambitions.
Fans can expect further updates as the window draws to a close, with the possibility of significant changes to Villa’s attacking lineup and overall squad composition.