Aston Villa have agreed a deal worth up to £65million to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as the striker closes in on a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.
The agreement meets Chelsea’s valuation after Villa accelerated negotiations to replace Ollie Watkins, who is heading towards Al-Hilal.
Sky Sports reports that Villa and Chelsea have now agreed the Jackson transfer, with the total package capable of reaching £65m.
El Aston Villa apalabra el fichaje de Nico Jackson.
Todo acordado con el Chelsea: 70M€ de traspaso y se negocia que el ‘Dibu’ Martínez haga el camino contrario.
El jugador esperaba al Atlético de Madrid.
Info de @pablichiii_19 en @diarioas.https://t.co/aKBlbZQurA
— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) August 26, 2026
Aston Villa agree £65m Nicolas Jackson deal
Villa have moved quickly after emerging as the strongest contender for Jackson.
The development comes only hours after ReadChelsea reported that Jackson had agreed terms with both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid, leaving Chelsea negotiating with two interested clubs.
Villa have now taken control of the race.
Fabrizio Romano says Jackson has given the move his approval after speaking with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery, with the remaining details being finalised before a medical.
That represents another significant step from ReadChelsea’s previous report on Villa’s expected £65m move.
Chelsea had made clear throughout the summer that they wanted a permanent sale rather than another loan.
Villa’s package now satisfies that demand.
Watkins exit opens door for Jackson move
Jackson is expected to replace Watkins at Villa Park.
The Guardian reports that Villa are finalising the £65m Jackson transfer as Watkins prepares to complete his move to Al-Hilal.
Jackson will also reunite with Emery, who worked with the Senegal international during their time together at Villarreal.
Chelsea signed Jackson from the Spanish club in 2023 before he spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
His Stamford Bridge future had become increasingly uncertain following Chelsea’s attacking rebuild under Xabi Alonso.
João Pedro has established himself as the leading No.9, while Chelsea have also added further competition across the forward line.
Atletico had continued pushing for Jackson and ReadChelsea reported last week that their sporting director travelled to London for negotiations.
Villa’s willingness to meet Chelsea’s valuation appears to have proved decisive.
Barring a late problem with the remaining formalities or medical, Jackson is now closing in on a permanent move to Villa Park.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea advance talks after agreeing Ahanor terms
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea advance talks after agreeing Ahanor terms
Nicolas Jackson agrees terms with Villa and Atletico as £65m Chelsea talks advance
Nicolas Jackson agrees terms with Villa and Atletico as £65m Chelsea talks advance