Nicolas Jackson with Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid badges
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are interested in Nicolas Jackson
Atletico Madrid have seen a loan offer for Nicolas Jackson rejected by Chelsea, but they remain firmly interested in the Senegal forward and are now pushing to battle Aston Villa for his signature, TEAMtalk sources have confirmed.
Jackson is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, but Chelsea have made it clear they have no intention of agreeing another loan for the 25-year-old.
That stance is also understood to suit Jackson, who has little desire to spend another season away from his parent club after playing on loan at Bayern Munich last term.
Atletico have identified Jackson as a potential solution to their shortage of attacking options as they continue trying to keep wantaway forward Julian Alvarez at the club.
Chelsea have already set their asking price at around £65million, with Aston Villa having been the club working hardest on a permanent deal.
We understand Villa remain firmly in the picture, but their attempts to complete the transfer have been complicated by UEFA’s new 45-day rule, which can treat transfers between the same two clubs within that period as linked transactions under the new squad-cost ratio regulations.
That could have an impact on the profit Villa are able to recognise from the sale of Morgan Rogers, given the timing of any deal involving Chelsea.
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Aston Villa battling Atletico for Nicolas Jackson deal
Villa could still complete a straightforward transfer for Jackson, but TEAMtalk understands alternative structures are also being explored.
One possibility would involve Chelsea moving Jackson to their sister club Strasbourg, who could then potentially loan him on.
Villa, however, are continuing to work on their preferred route.
We understand Unai Emery has spoken directly with Jackson, a player he knows well from their time together at Villarreal, and the striker is keen on the possibility of reuniting with his former coach.
Villa’s push for a new striker has taken on greater importance as Saudi club Al-Hilal close in on the signing of Ollie Watkins, too.
Atletico’s involvement could now complicate those plans.
The Madrid club have stepped up their interest after seeing their initial loan proposal rejected and are firmly involved in the situation as they look for a forward.
TEAMtalk understands Tottenham have also made enquiries about Jackson in recent weeks, and that interest could yet intensify before the deadline.
Jackson has already turned down the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League, while Turkish club Trabzonspor have also shown an interest.
Chelsea therefore have a growing market for Jackson, but they are clear that any agreement must be on a permanent basis.
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