Aston Villa are in the race for Chelsea striker Nicholas

According to Sports.

Why is this important

Nicholas Jackson's move to Aston Villa could significantly strengthen the club's attacking options in the Premier League. With Jackson a priority target for new coach Unai Emery, his signing could be key to the team's strategy for the upcoming season.

Key takeaways

• Aston Villa are in the race for Chelsea striker Nicholas.
• Aston Villa are in active negotiations with Chelsea over the transfer of Nicholas Jackson for €80 million, a buyout financed by the sale of Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabia.
• Aston Villa Lead Race For €80m Chelsea Forward: His Role Under Unai Emery?.

Aston Villa are currently the top contenders to sign Chelsea striker Nicholas Jackson this summer. According to reports, the transfer amount could be around 80 million euros. This was reported by the authoritative source Sport Witness, citing information published by the Spanish newspaper AS.

It is worth noting that Atlético Madrid have also shown interest in the 25-year-old Senegalese striker. The sporting director of the Madrid club, Mateu Alemany, even personally came to London to discuss the possible loan of the player, but Chelsea rejected this offer. The Londoners want to keep their slots for international tenants and are pushing for a permanent deal. This decision effectively excludes Atlético from the competition for Jackson.

Aston Villa, in turn, plans to finance the move by selling their main striker Ollie Watkins, who has already agreed terms on a personal contract with the Saudi Arabian club for a sum expected to exceed €50 million. The existing working relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa, strengthened by several deals this season, creates favorable conditions for negotiations that could significantly speed up the transfer process.


Jackson has been identified as a priority target for new Aston Villa manager Unai Emery. The player did not find his place in the squad at Chelsea, and his loan to Bayern in the 2025-26 season brought 11 goals and 2 assists in 34 matches, of which 8 goals were scored in 23 Bundesliga games, and 3 goals and 2 assists in 10 Champions League matches. These figures may seem quite modest, but it is important to consider the context.

Emery became the coach who gave Jackson the opportunity to make his professional debut at Villarreal. He knows what he can expect from the player and, just as importantly, what he won't get from him. Jackson is not a classic goalscorer who plays exclusively in the penalty area. He is a striker who can stretch defences, move quickly under pressure and link up with wingers. Emery's system is practically built for such players.

With Watkins gone, Aston Villa will not be looking to Jackson as a direct replacement. Emery will likely deploy him in the attacking line alongside Garnacho, where Jackson can move freely rather than occupy a fixed position against physical centre-backs. This freedom is something he lacked at other clubs. Although Chelsea's £65 million valuation has slowed negotiations somewhat, all parties are committed to completing the deal quickly.

What happens next

Aston Villa are awaiting completion of the deal following the sale of Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabia, which will provide funding for Jackson's transfer. If negotiations with Chelsea go well, this could lead to a quick signing of a striker who has not found his place in the London club.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Nicholas Jackson?

Aston Villa are in the race to sign Chelsea striker Nicholas Jackson for €80 million.

Who confirmed Aston Villa's interest in Jackson?

Information about Aston Villa's interest in Nicholas Jackson was confirmed by an authoritative source Sport Witness, citing the Spanish newspaper AS.

Why are Aston Villa interested in Jackson now?

Aston Villa plans to fund Jackson's move by selling their main striker Ollie Watkins, who has agreed terms with the Saudi Arabian club.

What changes have occurred in the fight for Jackson?

Chelsea rejected Atlético Madrid's offer to loan Jackson, insisting on a permanent contract, which excludes Atlético from the race for the player.

What are Aston Villa's chances of signing Jackson?

The existing working relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa, strengthened by several transactions this season, creates favorable conditions for negotiations.

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