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Aston Villa close to signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in £65m deal

The potential transfer could trigger England international Ollie Watkins' departure to Saudi club Al-Hilal.

The short version

  • Aston Villa is nearing an agreement with Chelsea to sign 25-year-old striker Nicolas Jackson for a fee that could reach up to £65 million.
  • The transfer of Jackson to Villa is expected to prompt the departure of England international striker Ollie Watkins to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
  • As part of a larger squad reshuffle, Chelsea is reportedly considering a move for Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Key facts

  • Aston Villa and Chelsea are close to a broad agreement on a transfer for striker Nicolas Jackson for an initial £47.5 million with £17.5 million in potential add-ons.[BBC News]
  • If the deal is completed, Jackson would reunite with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who previously coached him at Spanish side Villarreal.[BBC News]
  • Jackson's arrival is expected to trigger Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins' transfer to Al-Hilal, which is subject to personal terms.[BBC News]
  • Chelsea is considering a move for Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is deemed surplus to requirements at Villa following the arrival of Zion Suzuki.[BBC News]
  • Chelsea has separately agreed to a £50 million fee with Nottingham Forest for forward Liam Delap and is holding talks with Atalanta for defender Honest Ahanor.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The transfer remains dependent on Nicolas Jackson agreeing to personal terms with Aston Villa.[BBC News]

Sources