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Ollie Watkins has apologised to Unai Emery and his Aston Villa team-mates after declining to play in their heavy loss to Brighton. The England striker made himself unavailable for the Premier League match as he seeks to complete a lucrative transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Aston Villa have reacted quickly and are preparing to sign Nicolas Jackson as his replacement.

Apology accepted after Brighton absence

Following intense speculation over why he was missing from Sunday’s 4-0 defeat away to Brighton, Unai Emery has now confirmed that Watkins refused to play. As the manager revealed, Watkins has since apologised to the club and the squad. Emery had earlier responded cautiously when questioned about the striker, saying it was an issue for the player himself. He has now made the situation clear.

"He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well," Emery said, ending the uncertainty around the striker’s unexpected omission.

Emotional exit and financial decisions

Aston Villa have agreed a £51 million deal with Saudi club Al-Hilal for Watkins, who scored 108 goals in all competitions for the side. In spite of the controversial nature of the end to his spell in the Midlands, Emery offered an emotional tribute while also defending the club’s wider financial strategy.

"His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He's a fantastic guy - a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him 'bye' with a huge hug and with small tears," Emery said. Speaking about the sales, Emery added: "We took decisions because it's good for the club. Of course, we don't want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there."

Rebuilding with Jackson and Goretzka

To replace Watkins, Aston Villa are close to completing the signing of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson for £65m. The club have also strengthened their midfield by signing Leon Goretzka on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Emery also called on supporters to trust the club’s broader financial planning around player departures. "How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision. We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions," Emery said. On Goretzka, he added: "He is a winner. He is a very competitive player - a good player to add into our squad."

Moving forward against Arsenal

Aston Villa now need to integrate their new signings quickly before hosting Arsenal on Monday. The club are trying to make sure Jackson is registered in time for the Premier League fixture. Meanwhile, Goretzka has arrived fit and is training well, with Emery hopeful that the midfielder will be on the pitch soon. With Watkins travelling to Saudi Arabia on Friday, Aston Villa will look to respond immediately after their heavy opening-weekend defeat.