The race for Chelsea striker Nico Jackson is beginning to heat up, with Aston Villa emerging as one of the strongest candidates to sign the Senegal international before the transfer window closes.
Jackson is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, but the important detail is that Chelsea are looking for a permanent transfer, rather than another loan deal. Reports suggest the London club value the striker at around £65 million.
Aston Villa’s interest is closely connected to the future of their own striker, Ollie Watkins. Watkins is currently attracting strong interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, and his possible departure could push Villa into making a serious move for Jackson.
Villa Waiting for Watkins Situation
Aston Villa have been monitoring Jackson for some time, but the situation has now become more urgent because of the uncertainty surrounding Watkins.
Al Hilal have been in talks with Villa over a possible deal for Watkins. The England striker has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted that the player’s future is not completely certain.
Watkins was notably absent from Villa’s squad for the team’s heavy defeat against Brighton, adding even more attention to the transfer situation. Reports say talks over a potential move to Al Hilal are continuing.
For Villa, losing Watkins would create a major problem in attack.
The 30-year-old has been an important goalscorer for the club since joining from Brentford in 2020. He has also become one of Villa’s most recognisable players and has regularly been their main attacking option.
That is why Jackson has become such an interesting target.
Why Nico Jackson?
Jackson could offer Villa a younger option in attack while also giving Emery a striker with plenty of Premier League experience.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 and quickly became an important part of the squad. He has shown that he can score goals, run behind defenders and create opportunities for himself.
His time at Chelsea has not always been straightforward, however.
Jackson has faced criticism for missed chances and inconsistent performances, while competition for places at Chelsea has also made his position less secure.
He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga. He has now returned to Chelsea, but his long-term future at Stamford Bridge appears to be coming to an end.
Chelsea are therefore prepared to listen to offers.
The club’s preference is understood to be a permanent sale, which could make the transfer more difficult for Atlético Madrid.
Atlético Madrid Still Interested
Aston Villa are not the only club interested in Jackson.
Atlético Madrid remain keen on the striker and have been working on a possible deal. However, reports indicate that the Spanish club have been considering a loan move, while Chelsea want a permanent transfer.
That difference could be very important.
If Chelsea refuse another temporary deal, Atlético would need to change their proposal or find another way to make the transfer work.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, could potentially have a stronger position if Watkins completes his move to Al Hilal.
Villa would then have a clear need for a new striker, and Jackson could become their main target.
The Timing Is Important
The next few days could therefore be crucial for Jackson’s future.
Villa are reportedly keeping in close contact with the parties involved as they wait to see what happens with Watkins. If the England striker leaves, Villa are expected to move quickly for Jackson.
This makes the situation something of a chain reaction.
First, Al Hilal need to reach an agreement with Aston Villa for Watkins.
Then Villa would have to agree a deal with Chelsea for Jackson.
And finally, Jackson would need to agree personal terms and complete the necessary formalities before the transfer could be completed.
There is still plenty that can happen before all of those steps are finished.
Chelsea Want a Permanent Sale
For Chelsea, the situation is relatively clear.
They are willing to let Jackson leave, but they want a permanent transfer rather than sending him out on loan again. The club are believed to have placed a valuation of around £65 million on the striker.
That price could be a major factor.
Aston Villa may need to spend heavily if they decide Jackson is the right replacement for Watkins. Chelsea, meanwhile, will want to make sure they receive a fee that reflects the player’s value.
Atlético Madrid could face an even bigger challenge because their reported preference for a loan does not match Chelsea’s current position.
What Happens Next?
For now, Jackson’s future remains open.
Aston Villa appear to be in a strong position, particularly if Watkins completes his move to Al Hilal. Atlético Madrid are still pushing, but Chelsea’s demand for a permanent transfer could make their route more complicated.
Jackson himself is now entering an important period in his career.
A move away from Chelsea could give him the chance to start regularly at another major club and rebuild his confidence. At Villa, he could potentially become the man expected to replace one of the club’s most important forwards.
At Atlético, he would have the opportunity to work under Diego Simeone and compete at the highest level in Spain and Europe.
But at this stage, Aston Villa look particularly well placed.
The key will be Watkins.
If Watkins stays, Villa’s need for Jackson may become less urgent. If Watkins leaves for Al Hilal, Villa are expected to push much harder for the Chelsea striker.
So, while no final agreement has been reached yet, the picture is becoming clearer.
Nico Jackson is expected to leave Chelsea, Chelsea want a permanent deal, Aston Villa are waiting on Ollie Watkins, and Atlético Madrid are still pushing.
The next few days could decide where the Chelsea striker plays his football next.
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