There is one problem with the whole argument, though. Villa’s situation has changed dramatically.
Watkins changes the equation
Ollie Watkins is no longer the obvious, immovable centre-forward at Villa Park. Al-Hilal are for the England international, with Sky Sports reporting that a €45m (£38.5m) offer has already been rejected and negotiations are continuing. That matters a lot.Morgan Rogers has already left Aston Villa, while Watkins’ future is increasingly uncertain after he missed the opening-day defeat by Brighton amid the Saudi interest. So Villa suddenly do need attacking reinforcements, and that makes the David story rather more interesting.INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: Jonathan David #10 of Canada looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between South Africa and Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
His first Juventus season was underwhelming: six Serie A goals in 35 appearances, with two more in nine Champions League outings. That is hardly the sort of record you want to see attached to a €40m-plus signing.
There is, however, some context. David’s Canada campaign at the 2026 World Cup was outstanding, including a hat-trick in the historic 6-0 win over Qatar. Juventus do appear ready to move him on. His omission from a pre-season squad was market-related, while Italian reports have described him as a player the club want to sell.
T4O take: But Villa have another option
This is where Nicolas Jackson enters the picture. Villa are Chelsea for Jackson if Watkins leaves, with Chelsea valuing the striker at around £65m. That is an enormous fee. Yet Jackson arguably makes more sense for Emery’s rebuilt attack.David is clever, mobile and capable of linking play. Jackson offers something different: pace, running power and the ability to stretch Premier League defences. And Villa need that now. Spending up to €40m on David while also taking on a sizeable salary would be a gamble. If Watkins goes, Emery can afford to gamble on a forward. The club can’t afford to gamble badly.
