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Aston Villa signs Nicolas Jackson for up to £65m as Ollie Watkins nears departure

The Chelsea forward joins Aston Villa in a club-record deal while striker Ollie Watkins prepares for a move to Saudi Arabia.

The short version

  • Aston Villa completed the record signing of striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £65m.
  • The 25-year-old reunites with manager Unai Emery, who previously coached him at Villarreal.
  • Jackson's arrival coincides with 30-year-old forward Ollie Watkins preparing to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Key facts

  • Aston Villa signed 25-year-old Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for a club-record fee of up to £65m.[BBC News]
  • Ollie Watkins is set to end a six-year stay at Aston Villa to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.[BBC News]
  • Unai Emery previously managed Jackson during his time at Spanish club Villarreal.[BBC News]
  • Watkins scored 108 goals in 278 appearances during his tenure with Aston Villa.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains to be seen whether Jackson's high per-90 statistical production can be sustained over a full season under a heavier workload.[BBC News]

Sources