Aston Villa may sign Chelsea's Jackson if Watkins moves to Al Hilal
Aston Villa are preparing to pursue Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, contingent on selling Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal. Jackson, valued at £65m by Chelsea, spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and has been frozen out of training under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. Al Hilal have had at least one bid rejected for Watkins, who is keen on a move to Saudi Arabia, while Villa remain reluctant to sell. For Nigerian football fans following the Premier League, this transfer saga could reshape Aston Villa's attacking options and influence the Saudi Pro League's pull on Premier League talents. If Watkins departs, Villa would lose a key England international, potentially weakening their front line, whereas Jackson's arrival could bring a different style but also adaptation challenges. The situation also highlights the growing competition from Saudi clubs for established European players, a trend relevant to Nigerian players considering similar moves. Chelsea insist on a permanent transfer for Jackson, while Atletico Madrid prefer a loan deal. Watkins' transfer fee remains undisclosed, but Jackson's £65m tag sets a benchmark. Fans should watch for official updates on Watkins' potential exit and whether Villa trigger their interest in Jackson. Will this potential swap strengthen Villa's squad for the upcoming season, or leave them searching for alternatives if the Al Hilal deal falls through?