Aston Villa are preparing to launch a club-record bid for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with manager Unai Emery determined to reunite with the Senegal international ahead of the new season.
Villa have already completed two major pieces of business with Chelsea this summer, selling Morgan Rogers to Stamford Bridge in a British-record £117 million deal before bringing Alejandro Garnacho to Villa Park on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Club officials are now hopeful a third agreement between the sides can be reached.
Negotiations over Jackson are expected to intensify in the coming days after encouraging discussions with the player’s representatives. Sources indicate Villa are increasingly confident they can agree personal terms with the 25-year-old, who is said to be enthusiastic about working with Emery once again.
The pair previously enjoyed a successful spell together at Villarreal, where Emery handed Jackson his breakthrough before Chelsea signed the forward in a £32 million deal in 2023. Despite spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich, Jackson remains highly regarded by his former manager, who believes the striker is the ideal player to spearhead Villa’s attack.
A move to Villa Park is understood to appeal strongly to Jackson. The opportunity to lead the line in the Champions League under a coach who knows his game is viewed as a major attraction as he seeks a permanent move away from Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea are willing to listen to offers but will demand more than £60 million before sanctioning a sale. Such a fee would comfortably surpass Aston Villa’s current transfer record and underline Emery’s belief that Jackson is the missing piece in his attacking line.
Villa also explored the possibility of signing Liam Delap during discussions with Chelsea, but Jackson has remained Emery’s first-choice target throughout. The club believe his pace, movement and familiarity with Emery’s tactical approach make him the perfect fit for their ambitions in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Jackson has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Villarreal and remains under a long-term contract, giving the Blues little pressure to sell unless their valuation is met.
His arrival could also have implications for Ollie Watkins. While Villa are not actively seeking to sell the England international, sources suggest they would be prepared to consider offers if Jackson completes his move, potentially reshaping Emery’s forward line before the transfer window closes.
With talks gathering momentum, Villa believe another major deal with Chelsea is achievable, although the two clubs must still bridge the financial gap before Jackson can complete what would be one of the standout transfers of the summer.
