Aston Villa are reportedly nearing an agreement to acquire striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal valued at up to £65 million. There is a broad understanding between the clubs regarding the terms for the 25-year-old, with Chelsea aiming to achieve their asking price through an initial sum and additional add-ons.
Should the Senegal international agree to personal terms and complete his transfer to Villa, it is anticipated that England international Ollie Watkins will move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Negotiations for Jackson are said to be at an advanced stage, and he is expected to reunite with Unai Emery, having previously played under the Villa manager at Villarreal.
Villa’s Summer Transfers and Departures
Jackson’s potential arrival would mark another significant addition to Villa’s summer squad overhaul. He would join other new signings such as Johan Manzambi, midfielder Joao Gomes, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and defender Matteo Ruggeri. However, the club has also seen several departures.
The potential exit of Watkins would mean that five players from the starting XI that secured the Europa League in May would have left the club. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa have already departed. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also expected to leave, with Chelsea reportedly considering a move for the Argentine, who is now deemed surplus to requirements following Suzuki’s arrival.
The deal for Jackson would be the third transfer between Villa and Chelsea this summer. Previously, Morgan Rogers moved to Stamford Bridge, and Alejandro Garnacho joined Villa on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
Jackson’s Career Trajectory
Jackson initially joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, signing an eight-year contract. He has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club. Before his move to Chelsea, he scored 13 goals under Emery at Villarreal.
He spent the previous season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he contributed to the German side securing their 34th Bundesliga title. During his time in Germany, he made 23 league appearances, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. The agreement with Bayern included a loan fee and a conditional obligation to buy.
Jackson has earned 37 caps for Senegal since his international debut against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, scoring eight international goals. His most recent appearance for Chelsea was against Fluminense in the Club World Cup in 2025, and he also won the Europa Conference League with the club.
Financial Considerations and UEFA Rules
Concerns had been raised regarding how transfers between Villa and Chelsea might be viewed under UEFA financial rules, particularly after Rogers’ departure to Chelsea. UEFA’s regulations on ‘player exchange transactions’ can impact how profits are accounted for, especially if deals occur within a short timeframe.
Reports indicate that the timing of such deals is one factor considered by UEFA, but not the sole determinant. A purchase from Chelsea in the current window would not automatically classify the two deals as an equivalent player exchange transaction. Conversely, a deal outside a 45-day window could still be deemed a player exchange if other factors are present. Villa’s continued pursuit of Jackson suggests there is room for manoeuvre within these rules.
Another forward, Liam Delap, is also expected to leave Chelsea, with a fee agreed with Nottingham Forest. Additionally, Chelsea has been in discussions with Atalanta‘s Honest Ahanor regarding a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Source: bbc.co.uk