Will it be Watkins out, Jackson in after Emery's veiled swipe at Villa star?

With Al Hilal said to be chasing the England man, Unai Emery was left without a recognised striker against the Seagulls due to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo recovering from minor injuries.

That left Emi Buendia to lead the line at the Amex as Villa were brushed aside during a first-half demolition job that saw them concede four times in 31 minutes.

Emery’s misery was compounded when debutant Joao Gomes was given his marching orders five minutes before the break.

And the Villa manager wasted little time in pointing the finger firmly at Watkins for his absence, with a thinly veiled dig at both the player and his agent in his post-match comments.

Asked about the striker’s omission, he said: “This question is for him. I can’t answer. I can answer only with my silence.

“I think you can call him, you can call his agent, and he can respond. It’s not my responsibility.”

Top stars out, fresh faces in

Emery has seen a number of first-team players leave during a summer of change at Villa Park that has raised more than £200million.

If Watkins, 30, does secure a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, he would follow the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out the door.

After winning the Europa League last season, the Villans have cashed in to ensure they comply with financial restrictions. They have also been busy in the transfer market, with Johan Manzambi, Gomes and Zion Suzuki among the new faces.

But the seemingly imminent departure of Watkins leaves Emery with a huge headache, particularly after such a disappointing start in the league.

Watkins featured in 55 matches, scoring 21 goals and providing five assists, as Villa enjoyed a 2025-26 campaign to remember.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Step forward Nicolas Jackson

As it stands, his departure would leave former AC Milan striker Abraham and 17-year-old Madjo battling to lead the line.

Bearing that in mind, it's hardly surprising that Emery will be desperate to beef up his attack before the transfer window slams shut, with Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson top of his list.

A deal for the Senegal international, 25, would suit both parties and he would be able to slot straight into Villa’s XI having picked up plenty of Premier League experience with the Blues.

But it remains to be seen whether he could match Watkins’ numbers, especially after an uninspiring loan spell at Bayern Munich last term.

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Although he netted 11 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, Jackson failed to convince Bayern to make his switch permanent.

New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso took a look at him in pre-season but game time appears unlikely, despite the fact he has been named in the club’s Premier League squad.

If Watkins moves on, it could present Jackson with the opportunity to reignite his career in England. Whether he is capable of doing just that, however, is open to debate.

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