Aston Villa closing in on £65m Nicolas Jackson deal from Chelsea

Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a transfer that could be worth up to £65m. The two clubs have broadly agreed terms, with Chelsea set to receive their asking price through an initial £47.5m fee plus £17.5m in potential add-ons.

The move still depends on personal terms being finalised with the 25-year-old, though talks are said to be at an advanced stage. Jackson would reunite with manager Unai Emery, having previously played under him at Villarreal in Spain.

Jackson's arrival is likely to open the door for England forward Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Should that happen, Villa will have sold five players from the starting XI that won the Europa League in May. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already departed, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also expected to leave after being made surplus to requirements following Zion Suzuki's arrival. Chelsea are reportedly considering signing Martinez.

The summer has brought heavy turnover at Villa, with the club also bringing in record signing Johan Manzambi, midfielder Joao Gomes, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and defender Matteo Ruggeri.

Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £35m in 2023 and has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club. He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals in 34 matches and helping the German side win the Bundesliga title, though an option to buy him permanently for £56.2m was not triggered as he fell short of the required appearance threshold.

Chelsea are also set to lose forward Liam Delap, with a £50m fee already agreed for his transfer to Nottingham Forest. Separately, the club is in talks with Atalanta over signing 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor, who is valued at £34.3m by the Italian side.