Aston Villa to sign Chelsea star after Watkins exit?
August 20, 2026 02:47
EyeFootball reports that Aston Villa are preparing to move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson amid the club’s efforts to replace Ollie Watkins. Watkins is linked with a switch to Saudi side Al-Hilal and, according to the report, has already agreed personal terms with the Saudi club.
The same report says Villa have turned down a roughly £40 million offer from Al-Hilal so far, but the Saudi club is expected to return with an improved bid and there is optimism that Villa may ultimately approve Watkins’s sale. Villa have begun scouting potential successors and have identified Jackson as a leading option.
KEY CONTEXT
- Watkins is the subject of persistent interest from Al-Hilal; EyeFootball states he has agreed personal terms there.
- Villa’s most recent response to Al-Hilal’s approach was to reject an offer in the region of £40m.
- Nicolas Jackson previously played under Unai Emery at Villarreal; the report describes that spell as a breakthrough and says Emery would like to reunite with him.
- EyeFootball adds that Chelsea would likely seek at least £60m for Jackson’s transfer.
WHY IT MATTERS
If Villa do sanction Watkins’s exit, they would need a proven forward to replace him quickly to maintain attacking continuity. Reuniting a striker with a manager who knows his game—Emery and Jackson at Villarreal—is presented in the report as a logical route for Villa. The reported price expectations from Chelsea would also shape how feasible such a deal is for Villa in this window.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Al-Hilal increases their bid and if Villa will accept a higher offer for Watkins.
- Any formal approaches from Villa to Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson and how Chelsea respond to reported valuation demands.
- Confirmation of any completed deals; at present the situation is reported but not finalized.
KEY FACTS
- EyeFootball reports Watkins has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal.
- Villa reportedly rejected an offer of about £40m from Al-Hilal.
- Al-Hilal are said to be ready to improve their bid.
- Villa have identified Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as a target.
- Chelsea are reported to want at least £60m for Jackson.
- Jackson previously worked with Unai Emery at Villarreal.