Unai Emery has publicly urged Ollie Watkins to reject interest from Al Hilal and remain at Aston Villa, with the club identifying Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson as a potential replacement.
Al Hilal have made Watkins a top summer target and, according to reports in The Athletic, have seen multiple bids rejected for the 30-year-old striker. The most recent offer, submitted on Friday, was worth £45 million.
Key player for Villa
Watkins was a key player for Villa last season, featuring in all but one of their Premier League matches and scoring or assisting 19 goals. He also made 15 appearances in their successful Europa League campaign.
Speaking on the eve of Villa's 2026/27 Premier League opener against Brighton, Emery addressed the speculation surrounding Watkins' future and made his position clear.
"We have an issue with him, it's clear," said Emery. "He is our player. We have had offers for him. I don't want to sell him but it can change because if it's a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving."
Contingency plan
"With Ollie, he is here, for me he is a fantastic striker, we have always believed in him," he added. "Now he is our player, there are 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window, we will see what happens, I'm happy with him, if he is staying with us he will continue playing his level."
Aston Villa could turn to Chelsea for a replacement if Watkins departs. They have already signed Alejandro Garnacho on loan, and Jackson is reportedly held in high regard by the club.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, who declined to make his stay permanent in May. He is now back training at Cobham with his future uncertain, working in a separate group away from the first team alongside Liam Delap, Axel Disasi and Mykhailo Mudryk, all of whom are expected to leave Chelsea this summer.
With Watkins and Tammy Abraham unlikely to feature against Brighton and Brian Madjo injured, Villa could begin the new campaign without a fit recognised centre forward.
