Watkins exit ‘a step closer’ as Aston Villa make Chelsea approach
Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa has been speculated for many weeks.
The England international was often dropped in favour of Marcus Rashford in the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign, which caused controversy.
As a result, Watkins has been heavily linked with an Aston Villa exit as he aims to become an undroppable star elsewhere.
Now, the 29-year-old may have taken a step closer to a Villa Park departure after the recent transfer news coming out of the Birmingham outfit.
Aston Villa inquire about Nicolas Jackson
Unai Emery has been keen to add to his attack this summer at Aston Villa.
Numerous players have been linked with a move to Villa Park as they prepare for another European campaign.
Now, according to journalist Nabil Djellit via X (12 July), Villa are considering a move for Nicolas Jackson.
It has been reported that Chelsea are willing to let Jackson go this summer after an inconsistent spell at Stamford Bridge.
The Senegal international has been at the London club since 2023, and has netted 30 goals in 81 appearances.
Now, Chelsea are open to offers for the striker, valuing him at around £60.5 million.
Aston Villa and Manchester United are said to have inquired, while Napoli is also interested.
This transfer could end up facilitating Watkins’ departure if it goes through, with the striker unlikely to stick around to sit on the bench once more.
Jackson would be an awful signing for the price
Given how much Chelsea wants for Jackson, it would be a massive risk for Villa to sign the striker.
The 24-year-old has consistently missed multiple big chances at the Blues, which has cost the London club multiple times.
| Stat | Ollie Watkins | Nicolas Jackson |
| Appearances | 38 | 30 |
| Goals | 16 | 10 |
| Assists | 8 | 5 |
On top of this, Jackson has an awful disciplinary record, which has seen him shown two red cards since May.
Compared to Watkins, he simply does not have the same output and would likely end up being an awful signing.
Sign up for the Villa News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Aston Villa news sent straight to your phone.