Villa's Striker Search Intensifies
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Aston Villa are actively seeking attacking reinforcements. Reports indicate that the club has turned down a £38.5 million offer from Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins, but speculation persists that the England international could still depart. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, said: "Don't forget about the Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson story because they are working on it. Aston Villa are pushing to get Nico Jackson if Watkins goes to Al-Hilal and that's an advanced conversation."
Villa have already sanctioned the departures of several key players this summer, including Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m, Youri Tielemans to Manchester United for £35m, and Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for £55m. Incoming signings include Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid, and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Emery's Candid Assessment
Manager Unai Emery has confirmed that offers have been made for Watkins, but he stopped short of confirming an exit. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Emery said: "We have an issue with him, it's clear. 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."
Emery 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." When asked directly whether Watkins' absence from the squad against Brighton meant his career at the club was over, Emery responded with a simple "Silence."
Watkins was not included in the squad for Sunday's match, with Villa starting without a recognised striker due to injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo. New signing Joao Gomes made his debut in the starting XI, alongside John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and teenager George Hemmings. Emery explained the selections to Sky Sports: "With George we worked last year a lot, he was training with us every day. In pre-season he showed his capacity to play with us. Joao Gomes it's the first match for us but he knows how we want to play and today is the first challenge for him in an official match."
Emiliano Martinez was also absent from the squad and is expected to leave. Emery said: "He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career. Not now, even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change and he didn't do last year, and he performed fantastic with us. This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martínez is leaving."
Jackson: A Familiar Face
Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and does not appear to be part of Xabi Alonso's plans at Chelsea, is a key target. Emery knows Jackson well from their time together at Villarreal, where the forward made 27 appearances under the Spanish coach, posting three goals and as many assists. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Chelsea, and Villa are reportedly pushing to secure his signature. However, a potential fee could be an obstacle, as Jackson has seven years remaining on his contract.
Mateta: Another Option
Aston Villa have also enquired about Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. Daily Mail's Tom Collomosse posted on X: "New: Aston Villa have enquired about Jean-Philippe Mateta. At this stage, Palace have no interest in selling him. No offer from Villa. Nicolas Jackson remains a key target and informal discussions between parties have taken place #avfc."
Mateta, who has registered 12 goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season, has earned praise from pundits and former managers. Alan Shearer described his performance in 2024 as "A centre-forward masterclass, scoring two terrific goals that any striker would be proud of. What a revelation he's been under Oliver Glasner." Glasner himself said: "He has the quality. He has the speed, he has the physicality, he can finish. He can hold the ball, he can run in behind. He is a very complete striker."
Mateta almost joined AC Milan in January, but the deal fell through due to a failed medical. He finished last season strongly, scoring in the Conference League final to secure the trophy, and was part of France's World Cup squad. Some reports suggest Mateta is unlikely to sign a new contract, especially with Glasner no longer at the club, which could make him available. However, his performance in Palace's 2-0 defeat to Everton was cited as evidence he might not be the answer for Villa.
Other Targets
Joshua Zirkzee is also on Villa's list of potential replacements. Reports indicate that a deal for Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka has been agreed, though details remain scarce. As the window enters its final days, Villa's pursuit of a striker remains fluid, with multiple options under consideration.
Perspectives
Unai Emery (Aston Villa manager): Emery has been open about the offers for Watkins but maintains he is a key player. He emphasised the need to find a replacement if a suitable offer arrives, saying: "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."
Crystal Palace (as reported by Daily Mail's Tom Collomosse): Palace have "no interest in selling" Mateta at this stage, despite Villa's enquiry. This stance could complicate any potential move.
Fabrizio Romano (transfer journalist): Romano has indicated that Villa are actively working on the Jackson deal, describing it as an "advanced conversation" that depends on Watkins' departure to Al-Hilal.