Aston Villa appear to be closing in on another major summer departure, with Ollie Watkins now set to join Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal.

The England international had already agreed personal terms with the Riyadh club, while negotiations with Villa accelerated over the past few days.

The situation has now moved beyond initial talks, with reports suggesting Villa have accepted a significant offer and are already preparing to replace their long-serving striker.

Watkins agrees personal terms with Al Hilal

According to transfer journalist Nicolo Schira, Watkins reached an agreement over personal terms with Al Hilal while the Saudi club entered advanced negotiations with Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old has been pushing for the move despite Villa initially showing reluctance to sell.

Watkins was left out of the squad for the 4-0 defeat at Brighton, further increasing speculation that his time at Villa Park was nearing an end.

There has since been a major breakthrough. talkSPORT reported that Al Hilal have agreed a deal worth around £51m with Aston Villa for Watkins.

Villa have also moved quickly to secure his replacement, with a deal worth up to £65m reportedly agreed with Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson.

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Villa have little choice but to move forward

Losing Watkins is undoubtedly a major blow for Aston Villa.

He has been one of the most important players of the Unai Emery era, providing goals, intelligent movement and consistency across several seasons. Replacing that influence will not be straightforward.

However, once a player makes it clear that he wants to leave, holding onto him can create more problems than solutions.

At around £51m, Villa are receiving a substantial fee for a striker who turns 31 later this year.

From a business perspective, that represents a reasonable moment to sell, particularly if the money is immediately reinvested in someone younger.

Jackson would offer a very different profile. He is quicker, younger and already knows Emery from their time together at Villarreal, although he remains less reliable in front of goal than Watkins.

Update: How much Aston Villa are actually paying Chelsea to sign Nicolas Jackson

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Julian Alvarez has reportedly missed Atletico Madrid training for a second day in a row as a transfer to Arsenal increasingly looks like the solution to this issue.

The Argentina international is a star player for Atletico, so is not someone they’d want to lose, but it seems he’s clearly unhappy and looking to leave.

According to Marca, the reason for Alvarez’s absence remains illness, but this follows weeks of intense speculation over his future.

The report adds that Arsenal looks like perhaps being the most likely solution to finalising this saga, with Barcelona also keen but surely not an option.

Atletico Madrid’s strong message to Barcelona over Julian Alvarez

In a statement reported by Marca yesterday, Atletico came out fighting and insisted there was a 0% chance they would sell Alvarez to Barca.

“The player is being victimized, but the only victim of the Julián case is us,” the club said in a statement.

“They have harmed us economically and socially. There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation is not about money, it’s about dignity. There is 0% chance of selling it to Barça.

“There’s a campaign with many lies and half-truths. The only one who pays for this is Atlético.”

There is surely no way now that the club can go back on this and end up looking weak by allowing Alvarez to join Barcelona.

Crucially, they only rule out a sale to the Catalan giants, but not a sale in general, so this is all surely quite hopeful for Arsenal.

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Julian Alvarez should accept Arsenal offer

Alvarez himself has been keen on Barcelona all along, but there’s surely now a case for him strongly considering a move to the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old would be a key player in a winning project under Mikel Arteta, and even if it’s not his preferred move for personal reasons, it’s surely better than staying at Atletico at this point.

More Stories / Latest News

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Aug 27 2026, 9:41

Julian Alvarez misses Atletico Madrid training again in transfer boost for Arsenal

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Internal talks ongoing as Romano confirms rival player says ‘yes’ to Chelsea move

Aug 27 2026, 9:04

Fans booed the player when he returned to the pitch at the weekend, and it’s hard to see him having any kind of future there after this saga.

Arsenal may now be his only way out, and it’s surely time for him to come to terms with this and come back to the Premier League, where he previously had a successful spell with Manchester City.

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Chelsea have received a major boost in their search for a new goalkeeper, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly giving the green light to a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Aston Villa star is understood to be keen on joining Xabi Alonso’s project and hopes a deal can be completed before the transfer deadline.

Chelsea are still discussing the move internally, but the player’s willingness to switch clubs removes one of the biggest potential obstacles.

Emi Martinez is keen on a move to Chelsea

According to Fabrizio Romano, Martinez has already said yes to Chelsea and is open to completing the move before the window closes.

The Argentina international is now waiting to see whether Chelsea decide to formally advance negotiations with Aston Villa.

Tottenham, who had previously been linked with Martinez, are currently not involved as they are satisfied with Antonin Kinsky and Martin Dubravka.

Chelsea’s interest has already been reported by Football Insider, which revealed that the Blues were exploring a deal after concerns over Robert Sanchez’s performances increased.

Chelsea’s hierarchy want a proven number one capable of immediately improving Alonso’s side.

Meanwhile, The Guardian highlighted Chelsea’s goalkeeping issues following their 3-2 win over Fulham, where Sanchez again came under scrutiny despite the victory.

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Internal talks ongoing as Romano confirms rival player says ‘yes’ to Chelsea move

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Martinez would be the ideal goalkeeper for the Blues

If Chelsea genuinely want to challenge for major trophies this season, signing Martinez makes a lot of sense.

He would bring experience, authority and personality to a position that has remained uncertain for too long. At 33, he would not fit Chelsea’s usual age profile, but that could actually be a positive.

The squad already contains plenty of young talent; what it lacks in certain areas is proven leadership.

Martinez would also arrive with no adaptation period. He knows the Premier League, has performed at the highest international level and is comfortable in pressure situations.

The main question is price. Chelsea should avoid paying an excessive fee for a goalkeeper in his thirties, even one of Martinez’s quality.

Still, the fact that the player wants the move puts Chelsea in a strong position. If Aston Villa are willing to negotiate at a sensible figure, this feels like an opportunity the Blues should seriously consider.

Chelsea line up last minute statement move for Enzo Fernandez replacement

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Liverpool are closing in on one of the biggest transfers of the summer after reaching an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola.

The France international has been Andoni Iraola’s leading winger target throughout the window, and weeks of negotiations finally appear to have produced a breakthrough.

The proposed package is worth around £120 million, which would make Barcola another enormous investment in Liverpool’s rebuilt attack.

Liverpool reach agreement in principle for Barcola

According to The Athletic, Liverpool and PSG have reached an agreement in principle over Barcola, although several details still need to be finalised before the transfer can be completed.

The overall package is expected to reach approximately £120m, with around £100m guaranteed and the remainder coming through add-ons.

Negotiations accelerated overnight after the two clubs made significant progress towards finding a compromise.

This represents a major change from PSG’s earlier position. Sky Sports reported that Liverpool were preparing further discussions, having previously faced a sizeable gap in valuation, with PSG demanding around £145m for the 23-year-old.

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Barcola could transform Iraola’s attack

Liverpool spending around £120m on Barcola would show just how strongly Iraola believes the squad needs another elite winger.

Barcola offers explosive acceleration, direct running and the ability to play across the frontline.

He is primarily dangerous from the left, but his versatility would allow Liverpool to rotate their attacking structure and potentially use him alongside Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

The fee is enormous, and that inevitably creates pressure. At £120m, Barcola would be expected to become an immediate difference-maker rather than simply another promising player.

However, Liverpool are paying partly for potential. At 23, Barcola should still have his best years ahead of him, while his experience winning major trophies with PSG means he is hardly an untested prospect.

Liverpool have spent much of the window refusing to overpay for alternative targets such as Yankuba Minteh. If they are prepared to go this high for Barcola, it shows he was always viewed differently.

Man City join Liverpool and Arsenal in race to sign £80m star with 43 goals & 23 assists

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Manchester United supporters will have to wait before seeing new signing Carlos Baleba in action, with the midfielder currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during Brighton’s pre-season preparations.

Baleba officially completed his move to Old Trafford this week, signing a five-year contract after United agreed a deal worth up to £70 million.

The 22-year-old was brought in to add athleticism and defensive quality to Michael Carrick’s midfield, but he will not be available for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town.

Baleba could return by mid-September

According to the Manchester Evening News, Baleba damaged ankle ligaments during Brighton’s pre-season campaign, an injury which also kept him out of their 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

The report states that United are currently expecting the Cameroon international to return around mid-September, meaning his debut could potentially come in the Manchester derby against City on September 13 or the following Premier League fixture against Fulham.

United completed the transfer despite being fully aware of his injury.

Sky Sports confirms that Baleba joined for £65m plus £5m in potential add-ons and signed until 2031, with an option for another year.

Sky also reports that the midfielder could be available again by mid-September.

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Man United should resist temptation to rush him back

Baleba missing the opening weeks is frustrating, particularly considering the size of the investment United have made in him.

However, there is absolutely no reason to rush his recovery.

United signed Baleba as a long-term cornerstone of their midfield rather than for one or two early-season matches.

An ankle ligament problem can easily become more troublesome if a player returns before he is fully ready.

His eventual arrival in Carrick’s midfield should still be significant. Baleba’s ability to win possession, carry the ball through pressure and protect the defence gives United a profile they badly needed.

The Manchester derby would obviously be an exciting stage for his debut, but fitness should dictate the decision rather than the fixture list.

Man United could soon have talks with super agent Jorge Mendes to sign left-back 

The post Baleba debut delayed: When Man United midfielder is expected to make his debut appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have the final decision on the future of Cristhian Mosquera as I can confirm the defender is attracting interest.

Sources in the industry have messaged to explain that talk of strong interest from Fenerbahce is legit, with the Turkish giants understood to be preparing an approach for Mosquera.

The talented 22-year-old only joined Arsenal from Valencia in a £13m move last summer, and his value has risen since then to around £30-35m.

Although not an automatic starter for the Gunners, my understanding is that Arteta rates the youngster highly and will ideally try to convince him to stay.

However, it’s likely that Fenerbahce will also try to make a tempting pitch to the player in the final days of the transfer window, while Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal and Al Nassr are also preparing approaches.

Arsenal to push to keep Cristhian Mosquera

Mosquera looks like he has a bright future in the game, and the injury to William Saliba means he could get more opportunities at the start of this season.

The Spain international has started Arsenal’s wins over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City in the Premier League, though it remains to be seen if he’ll keep his place now that the north London giants have signed Ezri Konsa as another option at centre-back.

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It could be that there’ll be an opportunity for Arsenal to make a decent profit on Mosquera, but for now the plan is to ensure that Arteta has enough depth after so many injury problems last season.

It’s also not yet clear quite how long Saliba will be out, but it’s likely to be a matter of months rather than weeks, so the club won’t want to take any risks.

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Sources on Cristhian Mosquera interest

Fenerbahce’s interest is strong, though, and they fully intend to make a big push to convince him to join and become a key player for their project.

“Fenerbahce have mobilised all resources to add a young, high‑ceiling defender to their squad, with Mosquera emerging as the top target identified by manager İsmail Karta,” one source explained.

“Al Hilal and Al Nassr are also closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to enter the negotiations with substantial salary offers.”

The post Sources: Mikel Arteta likely to block Arsenal star’s exit as three transfer suitors prepare approaches appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Emiliano Martinez has been offered as an option to Chelsea and Chelsea are seriously considering this possibility.

There is an internal conversation involving the owners, the management, the directors, and the coach Xabi Alonso about the future of the goalkeepers, because obviously Chelsea are not signing Emiliano Martinez if they have both Rob Sanchez and Mike Penders at the club.

This would be too much for the trio of goalkeepers at Chelsea, so if they can find a solution for one of these two goalkeepers, obviously the situation could change.

Emiliano Martinez has said yes to Chelsea transfer, but Tottenham not involved

? BREAKING ? @FabrizioRomano exclusively reveals that Emiliano Martinez has said "yes" to Chelsea ?

It could mean Robert Sanchez or Mike Penders leaving! ?? pic.twitter.com/7T1MXyhaFO

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) August 27, 2026

But Emiliano Martinez is a name under consideration. He’s been offered by his agents and the player is keen on the move eventually to Chelsea. He already said yes to this possibility.

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From what I’m told, Tottenham are not involved, it’s only Chelsea, so let’s see if they can find a way to sign Emiliano Dibu Martinez.

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The post Fabrizio Romano exclusive: Emiliano Martinez says yes to Chelsea transfer & what it means for Blues duo appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Alejandro Balde has taken another twist, with the Barcelona defender now reportedly leaning towards staying at the Camp Nou despite serious interest from Old Trafford.

United have been searching for a new left-back throughout the closing stages of the transfer window and identified Balde as one of their leading options.

The 22-year-old appeared potentially available after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona, but the latest indications suggest a deal will be much harder to complete than initially expected.

Man United are interested in Barca’s Balde

According to Nicolo Schira, Balde could leave Barcelona before the deadline, with Man United among the clubs showing concrete interest.

Schira reported that direct discussions with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, were expected as United explored the conditions of a possible transfer.

There has since been an important development, however. ESPN reports that United have been preparing talks over Balde, but fresh information indicates the defender now wants to remain at Barcelona and fight for his place.

Balde has faced increased competition following Joao Cancelo’s return, which originally opened the possibility of a summer exit.

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Should United waste time chasing a reluctant target?

Balde would make plenty of sense for Man United from a football perspective.

He is quick, technically comfortable and capable of providing the attacking width Michael Carrick wants from his full-backs.

At 22, he would also offer a potential long-term solution rather than simply providing competition for Luke Shaw.

But the player’s latest stance changes everything.

United cannot afford to spend the final days of the window trying to convince someone who would rather remain at Barcelona. There are other left-back targets available, and negotiations need to move quickly with the deadline approaching.

Balde’s situation could still change if Barcelona receive a major offer, but United should avoid becoming dependent on that possibility.

Report: Man United & Liverpool both make enquiry for French attacker

The post Man United could soon have talks with super agent Jorge Mendes to sign left-back appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City attacking midfielder Jack Grealish is reportedly a transfer target for Premier League duo Everton and Aston Villa.

According to Fabrizio Romano, both of these clubs have been in contact over the possibility of signing Grealish, who will decide his future in the next few days.

Interestingly, however, it seems Romano isn’t convinced there’s anything concrete about Sunderland making a move for Grealish, despite what was reported by the Athletic yesterday evening.

See below for Romano’s update on Grealish’s future, as he expects the England international could be more likely to join one of his two former clubs instead of making the move to the Stadium of Light…

???????? EXCL: Jack Grealish to decide his future in the next days with Everton and Aston Villa in contact with his camp.

Grealish keeps all options open ahead of the final decision; nothing concrete ongoing with Sunderland.

?? https://t.co/aypTc7H8z5 pic.twitter.com/Pd9UvKBsus

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2026

“EXCL: Jack Grealish to decide his future in the next days with Everton and Aston Villa in contact with his camp. Grealish keeps all options open ahead of the final decision; nothing concrete ongoing with Sunderland,” Romano posted on X.

Grealish joined Man City from Villa back in 2021 and one imagines he could be tempted by a romantic return there, though he also seemed to enjoy his football again during his loan spell with Everton last season.

Can Jack Grealish enjoy a late career swansong?

Grealish’s peak years are surely behind him now, with the playmaker set to turn 31 next month, but he could still be an exciting signing for a number of Premier League clubs.

City never really saw the best of him, but he remains an exciting talent whose unique combination of skills make him a joy to watch on his day.

Villa have had a difficult summer losing some key players, so one imagines the return of Grealish could really lift the mood.

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In the right tactical set-up, under a manager who allows him some freedom, it’s easy to imagine Grealish still being able to enjoy a few more years of lighting up the Premier League.

Everton fans would probably also be glad to have him back, so it will be interesting to see what option he decides to take in the final days of the transfer window.

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The post Two Premier League clubs “in contact” over signing Man City star, says Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are on the verge of selling Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa after the two Premier League clubs reached a full agreement worth around €75 million including add-ons.

The Senegal international has been expected to leave Stamford Bridge throughout the final weeks of the transfer window, with Chelsea insisting on a permanent sale rather than another loan.

Villa have consistently been the most serious contenders and are now close to completing the deal, barring a dramatic late intervention from Atletico Madrid or another club.

Chelsea and Aston Villa reach Jackson agreement

According to Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea and Aston Villa have agreed the complete financial package for Jackson, with the transfer worth approximately €75m including bonuses.

Jackson is expected to finalise the remaining personal details with Villa on Thursday, with a contract running until 2031 already planned.

Villa have been pushing hardest for the 25-year-old for some time, with Unai Emery familiar with Jackson after working with him at Villarreal.

The striker’s arrival is directly connected to Ollie Watkins’ impending departure.

talkSPORT reports that Al Hilal have agreed a deal worth around £51m for the England international, clearing the way for Villa to complete Jackson’s signing.

More Stories / Latest News

Aston Villa set for major Ollie Watkins exit as Al Hilal deal nears completion

Aug 27 2026, 9:41

Julian Alvarez misses Atletico Madrid training again in transfer boost for Arsenal

Aug 27 2026, 9:11

Internal talks ongoing as Romano confirms rival player says ‘yes’ to Chelsea move

Aug 27 2026, 9:04

Jackson move makes sense for all the parties involved

For Chelsea, this looks like sensible business.

Jackson has shown flashes of quality at Stamford Bridge, particularly with his movement and ability to attack space, but he has never fully convinced as the club’s long-term number nine.

Selling him for a significant fee gives Chelsea valuable funds to continue reshaping Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Villa, meanwhile, are taking a calculated gamble.

Jackson is younger than Watkins and already understands Emery’s methods, which should make the transition easier. His pace and aggressive movement could also suit Villa’s attacking style extremely well.

The biggest question remains finishing consistency. Jackson creates plenty of chances but has sometimes lacked composure in decisive moments.

Still, this move offers him something Chelsea no longer could: a clear role.

Emery steps up centre-back search as Aston Villa target 26-year-old Frenchman

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