Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer, Ollie Watkins, is departing the club, marking a significant shift in the team's composition. The club has reportedly agreed to a deal for striker Jackson and is working to ensure his registration before Monday's match against Arsenal.
Manager Unai Emery addressed the departures, including Watkins, urging supporters to embrace the club's strategic direction. "We took decisions because it's good for the club," Emery stated. "Of course, we don't want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It's crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28]."
Emery explained that the decisions are part of a necessary rebuild. "How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision," he said. "We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions."
In line with this strategy, midfielder Leon Goretzka has completed a free transfer to Aston Villa. Goretzka joins from Bayern Munich, where he won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. "He is a winner. He is a very competitive player - a good player to add into our squad," Emery commented on the new signing. "He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field."