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League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: Trades

Nicolas Jackson set for £65m Aston Villa move as Ollie Watkins departs

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 2:10 PM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Nicolas Jackson set for £65m Aston Villa move as Ollie Watkins departs
Summary

Unai Emery announced that Nicolas Jackson is close to completing a £65 million transfer to Aston Villa, potentially in time to debut against Arsenal on Monday. The move comes as Ollie Watkins prepares to join Al-Hilal for £50 million after requesting a transfer. Emery expressed sadness over Watkins' departure, highlighting his contributions and behavior at the club. The Villa manager aims to navigate the upcoming match without a recognized striker due to injuries and Watkins' exit.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsThe Guardian Sport
Key Details
  • •Nicolas Jackson nearing a £65 million transfer from Chelsea.
  • •Ollie Watkins set to move to Al-Hilal for £50 million.
  • •Emery hopes Jackson will be available for Monday's match against Arsenal.
  • •Watkins apologized to teammates for his refusal to play last week.
  • •Villa currently lacks a fit striker due to injuries and transfers.
Latest Updates
  • 2:10 PMYahoo Sports — Emery confirms Watkins’ departure and Jackson’s impending arrival – and hopes he could play against Arsenal
  • 1:50 PMThe Guardian Sport — Nicolas Jackson nears £65m Aston Villa move as Emery clears air with departing Watkins
What they're saying
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Chelsea’s Jackson could face Arsenal on Monday Saudi-bound Watkins says sorry for refusing to play Unai Emery is hopeful Nicolas Jackson will complete his club-record £65m move from Chelsea in time to make his Aston Villa debut against Arsenal on Monday and said his striker’s imminent arrival will mark a “new chapter” at the club. Jackson was Emery’s No 1 target to replace Ollie Watkins, who declined the offer of a new contract in favour of a £50m move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Both deals are yet to be formally confirmed. Emery said Watkins’s departure reduced him to tears and revealed the England striker apologised to him and his teammates for refusing to play in the 4-0 defeat at Brighton last weekend, leaving Villa without a recognise striker. Continue reading...

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Unai Emery has revealed he shed a “small tear” over Ollie Watkins’ Aston Villa departure and confirmed the impending arrival of Nicolas Jackson.Watkins is completing a £50m move to Al-Hilal aft...

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ArsenalAston VillaChelseaEPLSoccer

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