Nicolas Jackson has reportedly agreed personal terms with Aston Villa over a £60-65million move, with Atletico Madrid giving up hope of signing the out-of-favour Chelsea forward.
Jackson rejoined Chelsea this summer following a season-long loan spell with Bayern Munich but played no part in the Blues' 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday night. Bayern confirmed in April that they had no intention of signing the 25-year-old permanently, leaving his future uncertain ahead of the new campaign.
Villa step up pursuit
Aston Villa have tracked Jackson's situation for more than 12 months and have intensified their interest in recent days, with Ollie Watkins expected to depart for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. According to Spanish newspaper AS, a proposed move to Atletico appears 'increasingly unlikely' and Jackson looks set to become Unai Emery's newest addition at Villa Park.
Jackson had been identified as a potential replacement for wantaway Atletico forward Julian Alvarez, but the La Liga giants must now consider alternative options. Villa reportedly have a verbal agreement over a fee in the region of £60-65million, with Jackson expected to sign a six-year contract tying him to the club until 2032.
Emery's frustration
Emery has been left upset and frustrated by the recent departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa for Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, and is desperate to bring in an attacker with Premier League experience before Tuesday's deadline. The possible sale of Emiliano Martinez would help fund Villa's move for Jackson, with Chelsea offered the chance to sign the Argentina goalkeeper.
Jackson has scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Villarreal in 2023. The Senegal international netted 14 times in the Premier League in his debut season but struggled for form the following campaign before being loaned to Germany. He still has seven years remaining on his current Chelsea contract.
Watkins exit close
Facing the media ahead of Villa's 4-0 defeat to Brighton, Emery made no secret of the fact Watkins could soon leave. 'We have an issue with him, it's clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him,' the Spaniard said. 'He is our player, I don't want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.'
On Martinez's future, Emery added: 'He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career. Not now, even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change and he didn't do last year, and he performed fantastic with us. This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign [Zion] Suzuki because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martínez is leaving.'
