Villa have agreed a deal for Jackson and are trying to ensure the Senegal striker is registered for Monday’s visit of Arsenal.
Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa this summer and Emery urged supporters to back the club’s strategy despite the loss of several key figures in their successful 2025-26 season.
“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” Emery said.
“Of course, we don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It’s crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].
“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.”
As part of the rebuild, Leon Goretzka completed his move on a free transfer to Villa on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
The midfielder won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with Bayern.
“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” said Emery.
“He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field.”
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