Watkins, 30, is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to complete a reported £51 million ($69 million) transfer to Al-Hilal, Anadolu Agency reported.
Aston Villa are also expected to complete the signing of Jackson from Chelsea for a reported £65 million ($88 million).
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Emery said Watkins apologized to his teammates and coaching staff after missing Villa’s opening Premier League match against Brighton, which ended in a 4-0 defeat on Sunday.
“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.
The Spanish coach praised Watkins’ conduct and commitment despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player,” Emery said.
“I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears. But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”
Watkins’ expected departure brings an end to a six-year spell at Aston Villa. He joined the club from Brentford in 2020 and became one of their leading attacking players.
Jackson’s expected arrival will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Villa’s attack as Emery looks to reshape his squad for the new Premier League season.
