Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery's side expected to make Nicolas Jackson approach if Ollie Watkins sold to Al Hilal

21.08.2026, 17:28 skysports.com

Aston Villa are expected to make a move for Nicolas Jackson if they sell Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal.

Sky Sports News understands Jackson is valued at £65m by Chelsea.

Al Hilal remain in talks for Watkins - who is keen on a move to Saudi Arabia - and have had at least one bid rejected for the striker. Their first offer was in the region of £38.5m.

Villa do not want to sell Watkins but Al Hilal are pushing to sign the England international, who scored 16 league goals last season and helped Villa win the Europa League.

Atletico Madrid are also one of the other clubs who want Jackson but they would prefer to do a loan deal. Chelsea want a permanent transfer after Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

There are very good relations at the highest levels between Chelsea and Villa. The two Premier League clubs have already done business this summer involving the record-breaking deal for Morgan Rogers and Alejandro Garnacho's switch to claret and blue.

Jackson played for Villa manager Unai Emery when they were both at Villarreal.

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"We have an issue with him, it is clear," Emery said in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Brighton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

"We had offers for him but he is our 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, he did it.

"There is 10 days to finish the transfer window, we will see. He is our player and I am happy with him."

When asked if Watkins had requested to leave the club, Emery added: "I don't know, maybe you have more information than us! Football is changing.

"The players are professional and Watkins is our player."

Watkins, 30, is being targeted as a potential replacement for Karim Benzema, with Al Hilal also working on a way to resolve the Frenchman's contract situation and allow him to leave the club.

Al Hilal's interest in Watkins comes after a campaign where he scored 16 league goals for Aston Villa as he helped the club win the Europa League and secure another season of Champions League football. He was also included in England's 2026 World Cup squad.