Unai Emery is optimistic that Nicolas Jackson will finalise his £47.5m transfer from Chelsea in time to make his Aston Villa debut against Arsenal on Monday. Villa are also close to completing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye.
Emery described Jackson’s expected arrival as the beginning of a “new chapter” for the club, while Mbaye has been on the manager’s list of targets for some time. The 18-year-old winger, who plays alongside Jackson for Senegal, was identified as an option to reinforce an important area of the squad. Villa recently attempted to recruit Rafael Leão from Milan, but the Portugal international is set to join Galatasaray, a team Villa will face away in the Champions League.
Jackson was Emery’s preferred choice to succeed Ollie Watkins, who rejected a new contract and opted for a £50m transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Neither move has been officially announced. Jackson’s fee could increase to a club-record £65m if add-ons are triggered. Emery admitted that Watkins’s exit brought him to tears and said the England forward apologised to the manager and his teammates after refusing to play in last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Brighton, which left Villa without a recognised striker.
“His attitude, dedication and conduct were always excellent,” Emery said. “After the game, he apologised to us and acknowledged that he had made the wrong decision. We accepted his apology, including the players, because he had consistently shown great professionalism and loyalty to the club, the squad and me.”
“I consider him an outstanding person and an even better human being than footballer. We said goodbye with a long embrace and a few tears, but Nicolas Jackson now begins a new chapter with us. We have found a replacement, we wish Watkins every success in Saudi Arabia, and we are delighted to welcome Jackson.”
Emery rejected suggestions that the circumstances surrounding Watkins’s departure might damage his reputation among Villa supporters. Watkins is the club’s leading scorer of the Premier League era, having registered 91 goals in 221 league matches. “During our four years together, we built an excellent professional relationship,” Emery said. “I was disappointed last week, but we discussed what happened and resolved it. A single error cannot erase everything positive he achieved here. The supporters should remember that too. He is a top-class player who leaves behind an important legacy.”
Emery said the £50m sums received for Watkins, who turns 31 in December, and Konsa, who will be 29 in October, were “extraordinary” considering their ages. “Our intention is not to become a club that sells its players, but we have a duty to consider these offers because they represent strong business for the club. Our ambitions remain unchanged.”
Emery accepted that Villa must produce a significantly improved display against Arsenal after their performance at Brighton if they are to avoid consecutive defeats. Leon Goretzka, recruited from Bayern Munich on Thursday, may make his first appearance against the champions. Zion Suzuki could also debut following his £30m arrival from Parma, taking the place of Emiliano Martínez, who is nearing a £7.5m switch to Chelsea.
“Our current level may not match what we produced previously, but our aim is to return to that style and standard of performance,” the Villa manager said. “That process will require patience, as it did last season. Monday’s match will show whether we need additional time or whether certain players are adapting faster than expected.”
Chelsea are likely to have a hectic conclusion to the transfer window. Alongside their pursuit of Martínez, they have considered signing Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and are waiting for Manchester City to make an opening formal bid for Enzo Fernández.
City have not yet approached Chelsea directly about Fernández, who is eager to secure a move before Tuesday night’s deadline. Chelsea are assessing their options, with Camara included on a shortlist alongside Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Although the Senegal international would not be a direct replacement for Fernández, he could provide additional depth for Xabi Alonso’s midfield if the Argentina player moves to City.
Chelsea understand that Bournemouth have no desire to part with Scott and have received a comparable response from Palace concerning Wharton. Arsenal are also believed to have rejected an inquiry regarding Martín Zubimendi.
Despite claims that Fernández could be transferred for around £106.7m, Chelsea will approve his departure only if their conditions are satisfied. Sources have indicated that City might need to offer more than the west London club’s original £120m valuation for the 25-year-old.
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