Aston Villa agrees £65m deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson

Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth up to £65 million. The package includes an initial £47.5 million payment and £17.5 million in potential add-ons. The 25-year-old Senegalese international is expected to reunite with manager Unai Emery, whom he previously played under at Villarreal.

Jackson’s arrival is intended to replace Ollie Watkins, who is nearing a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a deal estimated at approximately €58.4 million plus add-ons. This transfer marks a period of significant squad turnover for Aston Villa, following the departures of players such as Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans.

Additionally, reports indicate that Chelsea is pursuing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for approximately €8.75 million. The Jackson deal has proceeded despite discussions regarding UEFA’s 45-day rule concerning player exchange transactions, as the clubs maintain the moves are separate.