Aston Villa are close to signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal that could be worth up to £65m, with the move potentially paving the way for Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
The two Premier League clubs have reached a broad agreement over the transfer of the 25-year-old Senegal international. Chelsea are expected to receive an initial £47.5m, with a further £17.5m available in add-ons.
The deal is still subject to Jackson agreeing personal terms and completing the move, but negotiations are at an advanced stage. If the transfer goes through, Jackson would reunite with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, having previously worked with him at Spanish club Villarreal.
Watkins’ departure to Al-Hilal would represent another major change to the Aston Villa squad. The England international has been a central figure for the club, but his exit would mean five members of the starting XI that won the Europa League in May had been sold.
Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already left. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also expected to depart, while Chelsea are considering a move for the Argentina international after deciding he is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Jackson would become the latest addition to an extensive Aston Villa rebuild this summer. The club have also signed record buy Johan Manzambi, midfielder Joao Gomes, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and defender Matteo Ruggeri.
The striker joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £35m in 2023 and scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club. His most recent appearance for Chelsea came against Fluminense in the Club World Cup in 2025, and he also helped the club win the Europa Conference League.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals in 34 matches as the German club won the Bundesliga. Chelsea received a £14.3m loan fee for that move.
An obligation for Bayern Munich to buy Jackson for £56.2m was not activated because he did not make the required 40 appearances of at least 45 minutes.
Chelsea are also expected to part company with fellow forward Liam Delap. The club have agreed a £50m fee with Nottingham Forest for the striker.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are in discussions with Atalanta over a possible transfer for 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor. The Italian club value the player at £34.3m.
