Emery confirms Watkins’ departure and Jackson’s impending arrival – and hopes he could play against Arsenal | OneFootball

Unai Emery has revealed he shed a “small tear” over Ollie Watkins’ Aston Villa departure and confirmed the impending arrival of Nicolas Jackson.

Watkins is completing a £50m move to Al-Hilal after making it clear he wanted to pursue the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

The England international ruled himself out of Villa’s opening Premier League fixture against Brighton, leaving Emery without a recognised fit striker after Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo were also unavailable.

“I can tell you now Watkins’ commitment and behaviour was fantastic always,” Emery said.

“Last week, we didn’t get a deal to finish playing the match against Brighton but he told us after the match that he was sorry and he told us he made a mistake and was wrong.

“We accepted it and the players did as well because he always had very good behaviour with me. For me, he’s a fantastic guy, even more so than as a player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and a small cry. But all the best with him in Saudi and with Nicolas Jackson replacing him.”

Emery and Villa are hopeful Jackson will be registered in time to face Arsenal on Monday.

The Villa boss also says Leon Goretzka could make his debut against the Gunners after arriving at the club in a good physical condition.