Aston Villa are close to securing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth up to £65m, consisting of an initial £47.5m with a further £17.5m in add-ons. The agreement is subject to personal terms, and Jackson is expected to reunite with manager Unai Emery, having previously played under him at Villarreal.
The arrival of the Senegal international will allow Villa to sanction the departure of Ollie Watkins to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for about £51m. Watkins, who joined Villa in 2020, is their record Premier League goalscorer with 91 goals but missed their recent match against Brighton.
In addition to these moves, Tammy Abraham is poised to join Ipswich Town on loan without an option to buy. Villa have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in players such as Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki, and Matteo Ruggeri.
However, significant squad changes are underway at Villa Park, with Watkins set to become the fifth player from their Europa League-winning starting XI to leave. Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as he is deemed surplus to requirements.
