Aston Villa weigh Mateta and Jackson options as Al Hilal advance for Watkins

Aston Villa have moved quickly to explore alternatives for Ollie Watkins after the striker’s expected transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal threatened to disrupt their plans before the 2026-27 Premier League season has properly begun.

Al Hilal, known as the “Leader of Asia”, have stepped up their efforts to complete a deal for the 30-year-old in recent days. Watkins is understood to be receptive to the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer, increasing the likelihood that Aston Villa will need to replace their first-choice forward.

The England international was left out of Villa’s humiliating 4-0 defeat by Brighton in their opening match of the 2026-27 campaign. His absence was viewed as a clear indication that his departure is now a matter of when, rather than if.

With the club facing the prospect of losing one of the most important players in their attack, Aston Villa have already tested the market. The Athletic reports that the club made a formal approach for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is contracted to the Eagles until the summer of 2027.

However, Palace rejected the offer immediately. The club reportedly believes the proposed fee falls well short of the amount required to persuade them to sell their main striker.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has since become directly involved in the search for a replacement. According to Sky Sports, the Spanish coach has urged the club to focus on a more realistic target: Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

That move could prove easier to complete because Jackson is no longer part of Chelsea’s plans under either the club’s hierarchy or their new manager, Xabi Alonso. The Senegal international is also seeking a fresh opportunity to revive his career.

Villa’s recruitment situation comes at a particularly difficult moment. They are due to host reigning English champions Arsenal next Monday in a highly-anticipated fixture that could provide an early indication of how severely Watkins’ departure would affect Emery’s side.

Watkins has been a central figure in Aston Villa’s attack, and losing him so close to the start of the campaign would leave the club needing to act quickly. Their initial attempt to sign Mateta has failed, while attention has now shifted towards Jackson as the club considers how best to respond to Al Hilal’s pursuit.

The developments place Aston Villa’s wider project under pressure even before the new season has gained momentum. The club must now decide whether to continue pursuing a high-profile replacement such as Mateta, despite Palace’s firm stance, or follow Emery’s preference and seek an agreement for Jackson at Chelsea.