Nicolas Jackson has reportedly given the green light to joining Atletico Madrid as Chelsea wait to see whether the Spanish club can produce a deal that matches their £65million valuation.
The Senegal international has been at the centre of a growing transfer race involving Atletico and Aston Villa, with Chelsea keen to secure a permanent sale before the window closes.
Spanish outlet Esto es Atleti now reports that Jackson is prioritising a move to Atletico, giving Diego Simeone’s side encouragement after sporting director Mateu Alemany travelled to London for talks last week.
🚨🇸🇳 JUST IN: Nicolas Jackson has said YES to Atlético Madrid and prefers them over Aston Villa or any other option in the Premier League.
Atleti is the player's priority, but Chelsea prefers to sell to Aston Villa and awaits their bid.
Atleti are now waiting to see whether… pic.twitter.com/TfusZdzaWI
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 22, 2026
Nicolas Jackson gives Atletico transfer boost
Atletico’s interest has already progressed well beyond an initial enquiry.
ReadChelsea reported on Friday that Alemany travelled to London for talks over Jackson, with the Spanish club exploring a loan agreement.
The latest report from Spain claims Jackson has now made his own preference clear and wants a return to La Liga.
Jackson previously played in Spain with Villarreal before Chelsea signed him, and Atletico are attempting to strengthen Simeone’s attacking options before the deadline.
The player’s willingness to make the move could help negotiations.
Chelsea’s preferred deal structure remains the bigger problem.
Chelsea holding out for £65m Jackson sale
Chelsea want a permanent transfer rather than another temporary departure.
Sky Sports reports that the Blues value Jackson at around £65million and says Atletico would prefer to take the striker on loan.
That gap still has to be bridged.
Jackson spent last season away from Stamford Bridge with Bayern Munich and is not currently considered one of Xabi Alonso’s leading attacking options.
João Pedro has taken Chelsea’s No.9 shirt, while the club have added further depth to a crowded forward group.
That has left Chelsea open to a sale, but not necessarily at any price.
Aston Villa remain serious Nicolas Jackson option
Atletico are also not alone.
ReadChelsea reported that Chelsea expect Aston Villa to make a £65m move for Jackson if Ollie Watkins completes a transfer to Al-Hilal.
Sky Sports similarly reports that Villa are expected to move for Jackson if Watkins leaves, with Unai Emery already familiar with the forward from their time together at Villarreal.
That gives Chelsea a potentially more attractive route because Villa would be pursuing a permanent transfer.
Napoli have also made contact over Jackson, although ReadChelsea reported that the Italian champions must first resolve their own attacking departures.
Jackson’s reported preference for Atletico therefore does not settle the transfer.
It instead creates a fascinating final-week negotiation.
Atletico appear to have the player’s approval.
Chelsea still want the right deal.
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