Nicolas Jackson could become Aston Villa’s next major signing after Unai Emery’s side reportedly submitted an offer worth approximately £60million, including bonuses, to Chelsea.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that Chelsea are close to accepting Villa’s proposal, although neither club has confirmed an agreement.
The development represents significant progress after Villa previously identified the Senegal international as a possible replacement for Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa submit £60m Nicolas Jackson transfer bid
Chelsea had been seeking approximately £65million for Jackson and wanted a permanent transfer, according to Sky Sports.
Villa’s reported offer is understood to be worth around £60million once bonuses are included. However, the guaranteed fee and the conditions attached to those additional payments have not been disclosed.
Villa previously faced competition from Atlético Madrid for Jackson, but the Spanish club favoured a loan while Chelsea wanted a permanent sale.
A loan would also be problematic for Villa because Alejandro Garnacho has already joined from Chelsea on a temporary deal.
Premier League transfer rules prohibit clubs from registering more than one player on loan from the same Premier League team at any one time.
That restriction makes a permanent transfer necessary unless Garnacho’s circumstances change.
Jackson previously played under Emery at Villarreal, giving the Villa manager an established understanding of the striker’s qualities.
Foot Mercato’s player statistics show the 25-year-old scored 11 goals in 34 appearances during his loan spell at Bayern Munich last season.
Nicolas Jackson offer raises fresh Ollie Watkins questions
Villa’s move for Jackson comes while uncertainty continues around Watkins, who remains a target for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
The England international returned to training and apologised to his teammates after missing Sunday’s 4-0 defeat against Brighton.
However, his future remains unresolved after Watkins rejected a proposed new four-year contract.
Villa have also submitted an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, illustrating the range of options being considered.
A potential agreement for Jackson would not automatically mean Watkins has been sold. However, it would give Villa a clearer succession plan if Al-Hilal eventually submit an acceptable offer.
For now, there is no confirmation that Chelsea have formally accepted Villa’s proposal, that personal terms have been agreed or that a medical has been arranged.
