Aston Villa is reportedly on the verge of signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal valued at up to £65 million. Reports indicate a broad agreement between the clubs for the 25-year-old Senegal international, with an initial fee of £47.5 million plus £17.5 million in add-ons.
Should Jackson agree to personal terms and complete the transfer, it is expected to pave the way for England forward Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Negotiations are described as being in an advanced stage, with Jackson potentially reuniting with Villa manager Unai Emery, under whom he played at Villarreal.
Jackson would be the latest addition to Villa's squad this summer, following signings such as Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki, and Matteo Ruggeri. However, the club has also seen significant player departures. The potential exit of Watkins would mean five starters from Villa's Europa League-winning squad in May could have left the club.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 for £35 million and scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the London club. His previous club experience includes a loan spell at Bayern Munich last season, where he scored 11 goals in 34 games and helped them win the Bundesliga. Chelsea had received a £14.3 million loan fee from Bayern, but an obligation to buy for £56.2 million was not met.
In other transfer news, Chelsea is also reportedly discussing a £50 million deal for forward Liam Delap with Nottingham Forest. The club is also in talks with Atalanta over a potential move for 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor, who is valued at £34.3 million.