Nicolas Jackson has reportedly agreed personal terms with both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid as the two clubs battle to sign the Chelsea striker.
Fabrice Hawkins reports that Villa and Atletico are now in direct talks with Chelsea over a deal expected to be worth around £65million.
The development significantly advances Jackson’s transfer situation, with the 25-year-old now understood to have approved potential terms with both interested clubs while Chelsea negotiate the final deal.
🚨🟣🔵 Aston Villa have almost closed the agreement with Nicolas Jackson and his camp on personal terms!
Unai Emery, pushing and Aston Villa now in official club to club talks with Chelsea to try get the deal done.#AVFC willing to spend package over £60m to buy Jackson. pic.twitter.com/LA4zacQpBk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2026
Nicolas Jackson agrees terms with Villa and Atletico
According to Fabrice Hawkins, Jackson has agreed personal terms with both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.
The two clubs are competing for his signature and are now negotiating directly with Chelsea.
Chelsea’s position has remained consistent throughout the final stages of the window.
The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Chelsea had opened talks with Aston Villa over Jackson, with the Blues valuing the striker at approximately £65m and preferring a permanent transfer.
The latest Hawkins update says talks are now also active with Atletico.
That represents an important change after the Spanish club previously explored a loan move rather than the permanent structure Chelsea wanted.
ReadChelsea reported last week that Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany had travelled to London for talks over Jackson, establishing their serious interest in taking the former Villarreal forward back to Spain.
Aston Villa and Atletico battle for £65m Chelsea striker
Villa remain a particularly strong option.
Unai Emery worked with Jackson at Villarreal and the striker has been identified as a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins.
ReadChelsea reported that Chelsea expected Villa to pursue a £65m deal for Jackson, while Fabrizio Romano subsequently confirmed club-to-club talks had started.
The Guardian has also reported that Villa want to negotiate a favourable payment structure if they proceed with a permanent transfer.
Atletico now provide Chelsea with genuine competition for the deal.
That is significant because Jackson agreeing terms with both clubs effectively removes the biggest player-side obstacle.
Chelsea can now focus on which club produces the most attractive package.
Chelsea gain stronger negotiating position
The development leaves Chelsea in a better position heading into the final days of the transfer window.
Rather than negotiating with only one serious buyer, the Blues now appear to have two clubs competing for a striker they value at around £65m.
Jackson’s departure has looked increasingly likely after Xabi Alonso settled on João Pedro and Danny Welbeck as his primary centre-forward options.
ReadChelsea has also covered Napoli’s interest in Jackson, although the Italian side have so far been reluctant to meet Chelsea’s valuation.
Villa and Atletico now appear to be leading the race.
With Jackson reportedly comfortable with either destination and both clubs negotiating directly with Chelsea, the decisive factor may now be which side is prepared to meet the Blues’ financial demands.
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