Aston Villa have intensified efforts to sign Senegal international Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as the forward’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.
The Premier League club have opened discussions with Chelsea and the striker’s representatives as they explore a possible move for the 25-year-old, according to Sky Sport Germany.
Jackson returned to Chelsea after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich, but he is not expected to remain with the London club for the entire transfer window as interest continues to grow from elsewhere.
Aston Villa are understood to be assessing different options for a deal, with reports suggesting a loan arrangement with a purchase option had been considered. However, further reports indicate Villa are also discussing a potential long-term contract for the Senegalese forward.
The situation remains complicated because Jackson is under contract with Chelsea until 2033, meaning any agreement between the two clubs could require significant negotiations.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is believed to be familiar with Jackson’s qualities, with the club having monitored the striker since May as they search for attacking reinforcements.
Villa see the Senegal international as a player capable of adding pace, movement and attacking depth to their squad as they prepare for another competitive Premier League campaign.
Jackson spent the 2025/26 season with Bayern Munich on loan, making 34 appearances across all competitions. He started 15 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists during his spell in Germany.
Bayern paid €16.5 million for the loan deal and had an option to sign him permanently for a reported €65 million, but the German champions decided against activating that clause.
Since joining Chelsea, Jackson has recorded 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the club’s important attacking options despite facing periods of criticism and competition for places.
His current position at Chelsea, however, has become less certain, with reports suggesting his role in the squad has become unclear.
Chelsea are believed to want a significant fee for the Senegal forward, with reports indicating they would consider offers around £60 million. Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to make a major investment, with suggestions that they could break their transfer record to secure his services.
The possibility of a loan deal appears more complicated because Premier League rules limit clubs to having only one player on loan from another Premier League side. Chelsea and Aston Villa have already completed a loan deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, which could affect any potential temporary move for Jackson.
The coming weeks will determine whether Jackson remains at Chelsea, moves permanently to Aston Villa or continues his career elsewhere.
For Senegal, the outcome will be closely followed as Jackson remains one of the country’s leading attacking talents and a key figure for the national team.
