Nicolas Jackson nears £47.5m Aston Villa move as Emery clears air with departing Watkins

Chelsea’s Jackson could face Arsenal on MondaySaudi-bound Watkins says sorry for refusing to playUnai Emery is hopeful Nicolas Jackson will complete his £47.5m move from Chelsea in time to make his Aston Villa debut against Arsenal on Monday and said his striker’s imminent arrival will mark a “new chapter” at the club.Jackson was Emery’s No 1 target to replace Ollie Watkins, who declined the offer of a new contract in favour of a £50m move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Both deals are yet to be formally confirmed. The one for Jackson could rise to a club-record £65m with add-ons.

Emery said Watkins’s departure reduced him to tears and revealed the England striker apologised to him and his teammates for refusing to play in the 4-0 defeat at Brighton last weekend, leaving Villa without a recognise striker. Continue reading...