Latest reports suggest Al Hilal are closing in on a deal to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, potentially bringing an end to the England striker's spell at the club. Villa are also reportedly close to signing Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, but Watkins' departure would still leave Unai Emery with promising young forward Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham as his main striker options.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Villa may therefore need to move quickly for a new No. 9. Here are five potential Watkins replacements Emery could consider.
5. Christian Kofane
Christian Kofane is one of the most exciting young strikers to emerge in the Bundesliga and could be a particularly intriguing option for Aston Villa.
The young forward has already attracted significant attention because of his combination of pace, physicality and attacking instinct. Rather than simply replacing Watkins' goals immediately, Kofane would represent a longer-term investment who could potentially develop into a world-class striker under Emery.
Reports have recently linked Villa with an interest in Kofane specifically as a potential Watkins replacement, making the move even more interesting.
Emery has demonstrated his ability to develop talented young players, and Kofane could benefit enormously from working under an experienced coach who can refine his movement, finishing and tactical understanding.
There would naturally be an element of risk given his age and relative lack of Premier League experience, but his potential makes him an exciting candidate.
4. Richarlison
Richarlison is a much more experienced option and could represent an opportunity worth exploring late in the transfer window.
The Brazilian has reportedly been looking for a way out of Tottenham, while Spurs' signing of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City could further signal that his time in north London is coming to an end.
At his best, Richarlison has shown that he can be an effective Premier League striker. His physicality, aerial ability, pressing and willingness to attack the penalty area would give Emery a forward capable of playing a demanding all-round role.
The obvious concern is consistency. Richarlison has struggled to maintain his best level during his Tottenham spell, meaning Villa would be taking a gamble.
However, considering his Premier League experience, availability and the limited time remaining in the transfer window, it could be a gamble worth discussing.
A move to Villa Park could give Richarlison another opportunity to rediscover the form that made him one of the league's most dangerous forwards at Everton.
3. Igor Thiago
Igor Thiago is another striker who could potentially make sense for Aston Villa, particularly given the huge transfer interest surrounding him.
The Brazilian forward was recently rumoured to have attracted a massive £70 million bid from Nottingham Forest for Sunderland, highlighting how highly he is regarded.
If Villa are genuinely looking for a long-term replacement for Watkins, Thiago could be worth testing the waters for.
He combines physical presence with mobility and has the attributes required to operate as a focal point while also contributing to a high-intensity attacking system. The Brazilian scored 22 goals in the Premier League last season.
The biggest issue would be the price. If Sunderland are demanding anything close to the reported £70 million figure, Villa would have to decide whether Thiago represents better value than some of the more established alternatives.
Nevertheless, his age and potential make him an intriguing option.
2. Jean-Philippe Mateta
If Aston Villa want a striker who can immediately deliver in the Premier League, Jean-Philippe Mateta should be high on their shortlist.
The Crystal Palace striker has already proven that he can score consistently at the highest level of English football, with his best Premier League campaign producing 16 goals.
Mateta's physicality would also provide Emery with a different dimension. He can hold up the ball, occupy centre-backs and bring teammates into play, while his movement inside the box makes him a dangerous target.
Importantly, Mateta's Premier League experience means there would be considerably less adaptation required compared with a younger overseas signing.
Under Emery, there is also the possibility that Mateta could become even more effective. Villa's possession and attacking structure could create the type of opportunities that allow a confident striker to flourish.
If the priority is replacing Watkins' output immediately, Mateta may be one of the safest choices available.
1. Nicolas Jackson
There are no surprises at the top of the list. Nicolas Jackson is reportedly the player Unai Emery and Aston Villa have already earmarked as their preferred replacement for Watkins.
And it makes considerable sense.
Jackson has already demonstrated his ability to operate in the Premier League and possesses many of the characteristics Emery would want from a modern striker. He is quick, powerful, capable of stretching defensive lines and comfortable attacking space behind defenders.
Perhaps most importantly, Emery is already familiar with Jackson's qualities and weaknesses from their time together at Villareal. That knowledge could prove invaluable if Villa manage to bring the forward to Birmingham.
Jackson has also shown flashes of the player he can become. His finishing and consistency have occasionally been questioned, but his underlying physical and technical qualities remain extremely attractive.
A move to Villa could give Emery the opportunity to rebuild Jackson's confidence, improve his decision-making and maximise his attacking strengths.
For a club losing Watkins, the objective should not simply be finding another striker. Villa need someone capable of becoming the focal point of Emery's attack.
Jackson arguably offers the best combination of Premier League experience, age, potential and tactical suitability of the available options.
Final Verdict
Aston Villa have some intriguing choices if Ollie Watkins does leave for Al Hilal.
5. Christian Kofane – A hugely promising youngster who could become a world-class striker under Emery.
4. Richarlison – A risky but potentially rewarding opportunity if he can rediscover his best form.
3. Igor Thiago – An exciting young striker whose potential could justify Villa entering the race despite his potentially enormous price.
2. Jean-Philippe Mateta – The Premier League-proven option capable of providing immediate goals and physical presence.
1. Nicolas Jackson – The most logical Watkins replacement, particularly given Emery's familiarity with the player and his potential to get Jackson back to his best.
If Watkins does depart, Villa cannot afford to simply replace his goals. They need a forward who can fit Emery's tactical demands while offering enough quality and potential to become a long-term cornerstone of the attack. On that basis, Jackson stands out as the strongest candidate.
