Aston Villa close to £65m Nicolas Jackson deal with Chelsea

Aston Villa are close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal that could be worth up to £65 million, according to BBC Sport. The proposed transfer would include an initial payment of £47.5 million and a further £17.5 million in add-ons.

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The move has not been completed. BBC Sport reported that Jackson must still agree personal terms and complete the switch, although talks are described as being at an advanced stage. A transfer would reunite the 25-year-old Senegal international with Villa manager Unai Emery, under whom he previously played at Villarreal.

Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £35 million in 2023. He has since scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the London club and was part of the squad that won the Europa Conference League. His most recent Chelsea appearance came against Fluminense at the 2025 Club World Cup.

The forward spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances as the German club won the Bundesliga. Chelsea received a £14.3 million loan fee, but Bayern's £56.2 million purchase obligation was not activated because Jackson did not reach the required threshold of 40 appearances lasting at least 45 minutes.

Jackson's prospective arrival would continue a major summer rebuild at Aston Villa. The club have already added Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri. BBC Sport also reported that signing Jackson would likely lead to England striker Ollie Watkins joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, though that move has not yet been presented as complete.

Villa have already seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa leave after the club's Europa League-winning season. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also expected to depart, with Chelsea considering a move for the Argentina international. Chelsea are separately reshaping their attack after agreeing a £50 million fee with Nottingham Forest for Liam Delap. For now, Jackson's transfer remains contingent on the remaining negotiations and formal completion of the deal.