Fabrizio Romano Names £65m Ollie Watkins Replacement as Aston Villa Striker Considers Shock Move
Aston Villa could be facing a major change to their attacking options this summer, with Ollie Watkins reportedly open to a surprise move to Saudi Arabia and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano naming Nicolas Jackson as one of the club’s potential replacements.
Watkins has been a key figure at Villa since joining from Brentford in 2020 for an initial fee of around £28 million. The England international has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable forwards, scoring 108 goals in 278 appearances for the club.
However, his future at Villa Park has suddenly become uncertain. Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have made an official offer worth €45 million, including add-ons, which is approximately £38.5 million. Villa are understood to want more before considering an agreement, meaning negotiations are expected to continue.
Romano has also reported that Watkins himself is open to the move. The striker is believed to view a transfer to Saudi Arabia as a significant financial opportunity, creating the possibility of an unexpected departure despite his importance to Unai Emery’s plans.
If Watkins leaves, Emery will need a high-quality replacement. According to Romano, one of the names being considered is Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson has a strong connection with Emery, having worked with the Villa manager during their time together at Villarreal. The Senegal international developed under Emery and could now reunite with his former coach at Villa Park.
Chelsea are reportedly demanding around £65 million for Jackson, making the potential transfer a significant investment for Villa. Reports have previously indicated that Villa have already explored the possibility of signing him, with Emery keen to strengthen his attacking options.
The situation could therefore develop into a major transfer chain. Watkins’ departure would leave Villa needing an established centre-forward, while Jackson’s uncertain future at Chelsea could provide Emery with an opportunity to bring in a player he knows well.
For Villa supporters, the prospect of losing Watkins will understandably raise concerns. The striker enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances as Villa lifted the Europa League trophy and continued competing at the highest level.
Nevertheless, Emery appears to be preparing for the possibility. Jackson’s age, Premier League experience and previous relationship with the manager make him an intriguing candidate to lead Villa’s attack.
Nothing has been finalised yet. Al-Hilal’s opening proposal does not meet Villa’s valuation, while negotiations over Watkins remain ongoing. But with the player reportedly willing to make the move and Villa already considering alternatives, the situation could become one of the summer’s most significant transfer stories.
If Watkins eventually leaves, Nicolas Jackson could be handed the opportunity to become the new focal point of Emery’s attack — in what would be a dramatic change for Aston Villa.
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