Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has bid an emotional goodbye to "fantastic guy" Ollie Watkins, while confirming Nicolas Jackson's impending arrival.

Watkins, who joined Villa from Brentford in 2020, is leaving to sign for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Villa are reportedly set to bank £50m for the 30-year-old, who has scored 108 goals in 278 games for the club in all competitions.

Since the start of the 2020-21 season, only Mohamed Salah (118) and Erling Haaland (112) have scored more Premier League goals than Watkins (91).

Emery was frustrated with the striker after he refused to play in Villa's opening-weekend clash with Brighton, which the Seagulls won 4-0.

But Emery wished Watkins all the best as he confirmed the forward's departure.

"I can tell you now Watkins, his commitment and his behaviour was fantastic," said Emery.

"We didn't get a deal to finish his last match playing at Brighton, but he told us after the match he was sorry and he told us as well he made a mistake.

"He was wrong but we accepted it. The players as well, because he always had very good behaviour and commitment with the club, with us and with me.

"For me, it's a fantastic guy, a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him bye with a huge hug and with small tears.

"But now it's a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson and we replace him."

Jackson is set to join Villa from Chelsea, with the Senegal international costing £47.5m, with a further £17.5m payable in add-ons.

Villa's new striker could be set to make his debut on Monday, when Emery's team take on reigning champions Arsenal.

Another incoming at Villa this week has been Leon Goretzka, who has joined on a free transfer following his exit from Bayern Munich.

"Experience. High-level experience. He is a winner. He is a very competitive player, he's still young at 31-years-old and he's a good player to add into our squad," Emery said of the midfielder.

"He is a versatile player, he can play in different positions and he arrives fit and he is training well. Hopefully, on Monday he can be on the field."