Aston Villa Close to £65m Move for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson
Aston Villa are close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal that could be worth up to £65 million, according to the BBC.
The clubs have reached broad agreement over the transfer, with Chelsea set to receive an initial £47.5 million, plus a further £17.5 million in potential add-ons.
The move is not yet complete, as Jackson still needs to agree personal terms with Villa and finalize the transfer.
Jackson Could Reunite With Unai Emery
A move to Aston Villa would see Jackson reunite with manager Unai Emery.
The Senegal international previously worked under Emery at Villarreal before moving to Chelsea in 2023.
Jackson joined the Blues for around £35 million and has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the London club.
The 25-year-old has also represented Senegal 37 times, scoring eight international goals, and featured at the 2026 World Cup.
Ollie Watkins Could Leave Aston Villa
Jackson's potential arrival could have major consequences for Aston Villa's attacking options.
If the Chelsea striker completes his move, it is expected to pave the way for England international Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Watkins has been a key figure at Villa in recent seasons, but his potential departure would represent another major change to the squad.
Villa have already seen several important players leave during a busy summer transfer window.
Major Changes at Villa Park
Aston Villa have been heavily involved in the transfer market as part of a significant squad rebuild.
The club have brought in several new players, including record signing Johan Manzambi, midfielder Joao Gomes, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and defender Matteo Ruggeri.
At the same time, Villa have lost a number of players from the team that won the Europa League in May.
Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already departed, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also expected to leave.
Chelsea have reportedly shown interest in Martinez as they assess their goalkeeping options.
Jackson's Chelsea Career
Jackson arrived at Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 and became an important part of the club's attack.
He has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues and helped the club win the Europa Conference League.
His most recent appearance for Chelsea came against Fluminense at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Last season, Jackson spent time on loan at Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances and helped the German club win the Bundesliga.
Chelsea received a reported £14.3 million loan fee for the temporary transfer.
A permanent purchase clause worth around £56.2 million was not activated after Jackson failed to reach the required number of appearances.
Chelsea Also Set to Lose Liam Delap
Jackson is not the only Chelsea forward who could leave Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have reportedly agreed a £50 million deal with Nottingham Forest for Liam Delap.
The potential departures would significantly reshape Chelsea's attacking options and could lead to further movement in the transfer market before the window closes.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also discussing a possible move for 18-year-old Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, who is reportedly valued at around £34.3 million by the Italian club.
What Happens Next?
The Nicolas Jackson transfer remains subject to personal terms and the completion of the necessary formalities.
If the deal goes through, Aston Villa would add a proven Premier League striker to their squad while Chelsea would receive a potentially significant transfer fee.
For Villa, Jackson's arrival could also accelerate Watkins' expected move to Saudi Arabia, making the transfer one of the most significant developments of the closing stages of the summer window.
Key Transfer Details
- Player: Nicolas Jackson
- From: Chelsea
- To: Aston Villa
- Potential fee: Up to £65 million
- Initial fee: £47.5 million
- Add-ons: £17.5 million
- Age: 25
- Nationality: Senegal
- Chelsea appearances: 81
- Chelsea goals: 30
- Previous club: Villarreal
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