Watkins's legacy at Villa untarnished, says Emery as Jackson arrives / Photo: Darren Staples - AFP
Watkins's legacy at Villa untarnished, says Emery as Jackson arrives
Unai Emery said Ollie Watkins should be remembered fondly by Aston Villa fans despite not playing in last weekend's 4-0 thrashing by Brighton as he nears a move to Saudi side Al Hilal.
The England international is closing in on a £50 million ($68 million) exit and will be replaced by Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson.
Watkins will follow Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of Villa Park as the side that won last season's Europa League has been torn apart.
But Emery said a disagreement over his availability last weekend should not mask Watkins's legacy after netting 108 times over the last six years.
A depleted Villa conceded four goals inside the opening 31 minutes at Brighton and also had Joao Gomes sent off in the first half in a miserable start to the season.
"Last week I was a little bit disappointed. I was disappointed, but we spoke about it, and now (it's) clear, he is a fantastic player, fantastic guy and one mistake is not closing all the good things he did here," Emery said ahead of Arsenal's visit to Villa Park on Monday.
"He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well because he always had very good behaviour and commitment with the club and with me.
"I told him 'bye' with a huge hug and with small tears. But now it's a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson."
Jackson will reportedly cost Villa an initial £47.5 million with a further £17.5 million in potential add-ons.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to move in the other direction to join Chelsea and the Villa exodus.
Villa have been forced to cash in on many of their stars due to financial sustainability rules.
But Emery is determined to continue driving the club forward after qualifying for the Champions League twice in the past three seasons and also ending Villa's 30-year wait to win a trophy.
"We don't want to be a club to sell players, but the responsibility is there," added the Spaniard.
"It's not changing our objective, our priority for the next year is to be competitive and to fight again to be in the top positions."
Emery is hopeful Jackson will be registered in time to face Premier League champions Arsenal, while Leon Goretzka could also make his debut after joining on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
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