Aston Villa agree £65m deal for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Nicolas Jackson for a fee of up to 65 million, a move that paves the way for England forward Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The deal, which is expected to be completed imminently, reunites Jackson with Villa manager Unai Emery, with whom he worked at Villarreal.

The transfer saga has unfolded rapidly over the past week. Villa submitted a formal bid for Jackson, which Chelsea were on the verge of accepting. The clubs have now agreed on a structure, with the total package potentially reaching 65 million. Personal terms between Jackson and Villa are understood to have been agreed in principle, and the 25-year-old is expected to undergo a medical this week. The move is anticipated to be finalized in time for Jackson to be available for Villa's Premier League match against Arsenal on Monday.

Jackson's decision to join Villa was significantly influenced by his previous relationship with Emery. The Senegal international, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich. He was not part of Chelsea's plans for the 2026-27 season under manager Xabi Alonso. While...