Aston Villa are reportedly nearing a major transfer agreement to bring Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson to Villa Park in a transaction valued at up to £65 million. The clubs have established a broad framework for the transfer of the 25-year-old Senegal international, which would satisfy Chelsea's financial valuation through an initial payment of £47.5 million supplemented by £17.5 million in potential performance add-ons.
Talks are said to be progressing smoothly, though the finalization of the deal still depends on the player agreeing to personal terms with the Birmingham club. Should the transfer proceed, Jackson would cross paths once again with Villa manager Unai Emery, having previously developed under the Spanish coach during their time together at Villarreal.
Jackson initially moved to Stamford Bridge from Spain in 2023, going on to record 30 goals across 81 total appearances for the London side. His resume during his time with Chelsea includes lifting the Europa Conference League trophy and featuring in the Club World Cup against Fluminense. He also spent the previous campaign away from Stamford Bridge on loan with Bayern Munich, finding the net 11 times in 34 outings to help the German giants secure the Bundesliga title.
The impending arrival of Jackson could have a domino effect on the Villa Park roster, serving as the catalyst for England international Ollie Watkins to pursue a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Watkins' potential departure would add to a massive squad transformation for Villa this summer, following the club's Europa League triumph in May. Several other key figures from that starting lineup, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa, have already moved on, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also expected to exit.
Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Martinez as a potential solution for their own goalkeeping needs, especially after Villa reinforced their squad by bringing in Zion Suzuki from Parma. Alongside incoming business, Chelsea are managing several other roster movements, including a £50 million agreement with Nottingham Forest regarding striker Liam Delap, and discussions with Atalanta concerning young defender Honest Ahanor.
If finalized, Jackson will join a significant recruitment drive at Villa Park that has already introduced several fresh faces ahead of the new campaign. The club's summer additions include record signing Johan Manzambi, midfielder Joao Gomes, goalkeeper Suzuki, and defender Matteo Ruggeri, as the squad prepares for another demanding season across domestic and European competitions.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
