Aston Villa close to €70m Nicolas Jackson deal as Chelsea prepare to accept offer

Aston Villa are closing in on a major deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with a package worth around €70million (£60.3m) now reportedly on the table.

Chelsea are said to be on the verge of accepting Villa’s proposal, leaving Unai Emery’s side with one significant hurdle to overcome before the transfer can be completed.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Aston Villa have submitted an offer worth approximately €70m including bonuses for Jackson.

Chelsea had previously been looking for around €80m (£68.9m), but Villa’s latest proposal appears to have moved negotiations towards a breakthrough.

The 25-year-old’s position at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly uncertain, and Villa are now well placed to offer him a fresh start.

However, an agreement between the clubs would not complete the transfer.

Aston Villa must now reach an agreement with Jackson over personal terms.

That will become the key focus if Chelsea formally approve the €70m package, although Villa have a potentially important advantage in Emery’s existing relationship with the striker.

The pair worked together at Villarreal, where Emery handed Jackson his senior debut in 2021. The Senegal international later registered three goals and three assists across 27 appearances under the Spanish coach.

Emery has remained an admirer of Jackson, and their previous relationship could help Villa complete negotiations with the player.

Villa’s determination to sign another striker comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Watkins has reportedly agreed personal terms over a potential transfer, with a package worth more than €50m (£43.1m) previously discussed.

His departure would create both a major vacancy in Emery’s attack and additional financial room to complete Jackson’s arrival.

Villa have also explored alternatives. They reportedly submitted a €22m (£19m) offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but that proposal was quickly rejected.

Jackson has now emerged as the deal closest to completion, with Chelsea seemingly ready to give Villa the breakthrough they have been seeking.

The next major step is for Chelsea to formally accept Aston Villa’s offer, after which negotiations with Jackson over personal terms will become decisive.

Emery’s previous relationship with the striker could work strongly in Villa’s favour, while Watkins’ possible departure adds urgency to their search for a new No.9.

If Villa can quickly reach an agreement with Jackson, the €70m transfer could move towards completion before the deadline.