Aston Villa's forward line is set for a significant shift as striker Ollie Watkins is poised to complete a reported £50 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. The move would see Watkins secure a substantial pay increase.
This potential departure creates an opening that Aston Villa is expected to fill with Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson. Jackson, 25, is reportedly heading to the West Midlands for a medical examination ahead of a transfer valued at up to £65 million. He previously worked with Villa manager Unai Emery during their time at Villarreal.
The conclusion of the Watkins transfer saga comes after he was absent from Aston Villa's recent match against Brighton, a game the team lost 4-0. Manager Unai Emery did not dismiss suggestions that Watkins had opted out of playing.
Jackson could be available for his potential Villa debut against Arsenal as early as Monday, pending the completion of his medical and transfer. His move to Villa is understood to be a permanent one, influenced by transfer regulations following Chelsea's acquisition of Morgan Rogers for a club-record fee.
Watkins' potential move to Al Hilal marks the latest in a series of senior player departures from Aston Villa this summer. Previously, the club saw Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Morgan Rogers, and Ezri Konsa leave. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez has also reportedly been offered to Chelsea.
Jackson had previously expressed interest in joining Aston Villa to reunite with Emery. While other English and European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid, had also shown interest in the forward, the opportunity to work with Emery again appears to have been a significant factor in his decision.