Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins with manager Unai Emery after being substituted
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Aston Villa's interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins' potential move to Al-Hilal.
Watkins is heavily linked with the Saudi Pro League giants and is thought to be keen on a move to the Middle East. Villa have already turned down a £38.5 million offer for their striker, but talks have continued with just 10 days until the transfer window slams shut.
Unai Emery is interested in reuniting with his former Villarreal frontman, Jackson, who is expected to leave Chelsea. The Senegalese forward spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and doesn't appear to be part of Xabi Alonso's plans at Stamford Bridge.
Romano: Villa Still Working on Jackson
Nicolas Jackson sitting on the Bayern Munich bench
via Reuters
Villa have already sold three of Emery's top stars this summer. Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for £117m, Youri Tielemans headed to Manchester United for £35m, and Ezri Konsa moved to Arsenal on the weekend for £55m.
Watkins could be the latest big-name player to depart and the club are looking to sign Jackson as his replacement. Romano delved into the current situation regarding their pursuit of the 25-year-old while speaking on his YouTube channel:
Jackson is a player Emery knows well from their time together at Villarreal, where he caught the eye of Stamford Bridge scouts. He made 27 appearances under the Spanish coach, posting three goals and as many assists.
The player's spell at Chelsea has divided opinion, and his temperament has been the main issue for the Blues. He formed a fine partnership with Cole Palmer before falling down the pecking order and spending last season on loan at Bayern.
||
|Nicolas Jackson (Premier League)|
|Season|Apps (Starts)||Goals|Assists|Total G+A|Yellow Cards|Red Cards|
|---|
|2023–24|35 (31)||14|5|19|10|0|
|2024–25|30 (28)||10|5|15|3|0|
|Total|65 (59)||24|10|34|13|0|
With Villa seemingly in advanced talks over selling Watkins to Al-Hilal, Jackson ticks all the boxes to come in as his replacement. The main obstacle is a potential fee, as he has seven years on his contract, giving the Villans little leverage in negotiations.
Villa Must Snub Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick vs Bournemouth
via Reuters
Another name on Villa's list of potential Watkins replacements is Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta. Tom Collomosse of Mail Sport claims that the West Midlands outfit have enquired about the French striker who has a year left on his contract.
Mateta has proven consistent in front of goal during his Premier League career, but he isn't the solution for Emery if Watkins departs. His performance in Palace's 2-0 defeat to Everton in their season opener was evidence that he's not the answer and 29 would be a short-term fix.
Aston Villa transfer targets
Nicolas Jackson - Could replace Watkins
Jean-Philippe Mateta - Enquiry made
Villa must be more ambitious and move for Jackson, who is at the right age to lead the line for years to come. His profile suits Emery's brand of football more so than the Eagles frontman.