---
title: "Aston Villa face £65m Nicolas Jackson battle after Atlético bid"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/24/aston-villa-face-65m-nicolas-jackson-battle-after-atletico-bid/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa Transfer News"
published: "2026-08-24T14:20:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T10:44:28Z"
---

# Aston Villa face £65m Nicolas Jackson battle after Atlético bid

**Aston Villa face fresh competition for Nicolas Jackson after Atlético Madrid submitted a loan offer for the Chelsea striker. The proposal was rejected, but the Spanish club remain interested in the £65million-rated forward as Unai Emery attempts to secure a replacement for Ollie Watkins.**

Jackson has emerged as Villa’s preferred attacking target while Al-Hilal continue pursuing Watkins.

[Watkins has reportedly rejected a new four-year Villa contract](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/24/aston-villa-striker-ollie-watkins-rejects-four-year-contract-offer/), increasing the likelihood that Emery will need another striker before the transfer window closes.

However, the latest development means Villa are not alone in pursuing the Senegal international.

> [#AVFC](https://x.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) have rejected a new bid from Al Hilal worth £45million for Ollie Watkins. 30yo has made clear to Villa he wishes to leave. Emery wants to keep – club offered new deal until 2030 – but admits there is "an issue." Al Hilal continuing pursuit, with Nicolas Jackson viewed as…
>
> — Jacob Tanswell (@J\_Tanswell) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/J_Tanswell/status/2090790121368859063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Atlético Madrid enter Nicolas Jackson transfer battle

[TEAMtalk reports](https://www.teamtalk.com/aston-villa/nicolas-jackson-transfer-news-aston-villa-atletico-madrid-battle-chelsea) that Chelsea rejected Atlético’s loan approach because they want to sell Jackson permanently.

The Spanish club have maintained their interest despite that setback, potentially increasing competition for the 25-year-old.

Villa had already [made a proposal to Jackson while Napoli explored their own move](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/21/aston-villa-make-nicolas-jackson-proposal-as-napoli-open-talks/).

Emery has now reportedly spoken directly with the striker, having previously worked with him at Villarreal. Jackson is understood to be receptive to a reunion with the Villa manager.

[Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/13575424/aston-villa-transfer-news-unai-emerys-side-expected-to-make-nicolas-jackson-approach-if-ollie-watkins-sold-to-al-hilal) has also reported that Chelsea value Jackson at £65m and want a permanent sale after his loan spell at Bayern Munich.

That stance could favour Villa if Atlético continue pursuing a temporary arrangement, although the cost remains significant.

## UEFA rule could complicate Aston Villa deal

Villa face an additional complication because they [sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m in July](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/07/22/aston-villa-officially-announce-117m-sale-of-england-international/).

[UEFA’s financial regulations](https://documents.uefa.com/r/UEFA-Club-Licensing-and-Financial-Sustainability-Regulations-2026/G.3-Accounting-requirements-for-the-permanent-transfer-of-a-player-s-registration-Online?contentId=mbp0thahzVgyytKVZPxyiQ) require clubs to assess whether players moving in opposite directions should be treated as an exchange transaction.

Transfers completed within 45 days are among the factors considered. Such a classification can affect how clubs record transfer profits and the cost of incoming players.

A Jackson transfer would not automatically breach any rule, but the proximity to Rogers’ departure could complicate the structure of a potential agreement.

Villa have also [enquired about Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/22/aston-villa-make-zirkzee-enquiry-as-watkins-replacement-search-widens/) as an alternative.

For now, Jackson remains Emery’s leading target. Atlético’s approach and the financial considerations surrounding another Chelsea deal mean securing him may prove more complicated than simply agreeing the asking price.