Aston Villa are discussing a deal to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea before the transfer window closes, with an offer worth €70m (£60m) including bonuses reportedly on the table.
The Senegal international is understood to be the subject of negotiations between the two Premier League clubs, according to Foot Mercato. The reported package is believed to be close to Chelsea’s valuation of the forward and could therefore lead to an agreement.
A move to Villa would see Jackson reunited with manager Unai Emery, who previously worked with the striker at Villarreal. Emery was in charge of the Spanish club during Jackson’s time there, and the potential transfer would bring the pair together again in England.
Chelsea appear willing to let Jackson leave, with the player also prepared to move on from Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old’s preference is reportedly to remain in England rather than move abroad.
That desire could make Aston Villa an attractive destination, particularly with the club prepared to structure a substantial offer for a permanent transfer. The reported €70m figure includes performance-related bonuses, although the precise terms of the proposal have not been disclosed.
Jackson’s future has also attracted interest from Atletico de Madrid. However, Chelsea were not prepared to accept the Spanish club’s proposed loan arrangement and instead wanted a permanent departure for the Senegal forward.
That difference in approach has left Aston Villa in a stronger position, provided their discussions with Chelsea can be concluded before the deadline. The two clubs are yet to confirm that an agreement has been reached.
A move would give Jackson the opportunity to continue his career in the Premier League while returning to a manager he already knows. It would also provide Emery with the chance to work again with a player who developed at Villarreal before moving to Chelsea.
For Chelsea, the reported negotiations represent a possible route to resolving Jackson’s position at the club. With Villa’s proposal said to be close to their financial demands, the coming days could determine whether the forward leaves Stamford Bridge permanently.
The transfer remains subject to agreement between the clubs and the completion of the necessary terms. However, Villa’s interest, Jackson’s wish to stay in England and Chelsea’s preference for a permanent sale have combined to make a deal increasingly plausible before the transfer window closes.
