Aston Villa close in on £65m Nicolas Jackson deal as Ollie Watkins nears Al-Hilal move

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth up to £65m, with the move expected to clear the way for Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Villa and Chelsea have reached a broad agreement over Jackson, with the West Midlands club set to pay an initial fee of around £50m plus a further £15m in potential add-ons.

Personal terms are still to be finalised, but negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage as Unai Emery looks to add another major piece to his heavily rebuilt squad.

Should the transfer be completed, Jackson would reunite with Emery after previously working under the Aston Villa Head Coach at Villarreal.

His arrival would also have an immediate impact on Watkins’ future, with Villa now prepared to sanction the England international’s departure once a replacement has been secured.

Nicolas Jackson closing in on Aston Villa move

Jackson has been on Chelsea’s books since joining the club from Villarreal for £35m in 2023.

The Senegal international went on to score 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues and was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Conference League.

His most recent appearance for Chelsea came against Fluminense at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup before he spent last season on loan with Bayern Munich.

Jackson scored 11 times in 34 appearances in Germany and helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title.

Chelsea received a £14.3m loan fee as part of that move, while the agreement also contained an obligation to buy worth £56.2m. That clause was not activated because Jackson failed to make the required 40 appearances of at least 45 minutes.

Attention has now turned to Villa Park, where Jackson could be handed another opportunity in the Premier League under a manager already familiar with his game.

His ability to play through the middle and offer mobility across the front line would give Emery a different attacking option as Villa prepare for further changes before the transfer window closes.

Ollie Watkins set for £51m Al-Hilal move

Jackson’s expected arrival is closely linked to the future of Ollie Watkins, who is now nearing a move to Al-Hilal.

A deal worth around £51m is expected to take the 30-year-old to the Saudi Pro League once Villa have completed the signing of his replacement.

Villa had already been prepared to consider selling Watkins this summer, but the club did not want to approve his departure until another striker was in place.

With Jackson’s transfer now progressing, Watkins’ six-year spell at Villa Park appears to be approaching its conclusion.

The England international joined from Brentford in 2020 and has since established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in the club’s history.

Watkins has scored 108 Premier League goals for Aston Villa, making him their record goalscorer in the competition.

He was also an important figure as Emery’s side developed into regular European contenders and eventually lifted the Europa League in May.

Uncertainty over his future increased when Watkins was absent from Villa’s squad for Sunday’s 4-0 defeat away to Brighton.

Asked about his omission following the game, Emery said it was for Watkins and his representatives to explain the situation.

With Al-Hilal now poised to complete a deal, Jackson will arrive as the player tasked with leading Villa’s new-look attack.

Aston Villa’s summer rebuild continues

The potential Jackson-Watkins switch forms part of a significant overhaul at Villa Park this summer.

Villa have already brought in record signing Johan Manzambi, midfielder Joao Gomes, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and defender Matteo Ruggeri as Emery reshapes his squad.

Jackson would become another substantial addition, but the level of movement away from the club has been equally notable.

Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all departed during the summer.

If Watkins completes his proposed move to Al-Hilal, Villa will have sold five members of the starting XI that won the Europa League in May.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could yet follow them out of Villa Park, with Chelsea considering a move for the Argentina international after Villa strengthened that position with the signing of Suzuki from Parma.

The scale of the changes means Emery is overseeing one of the most extensive squad rebuilds of his Aston Villa tenure.

Jackson’s arrival would therefore represent more than simply a replacement for Watkins. It would be another major step towards creating a new-look Villa side for the 2026/27 campaign.

Tammy Abraham also set for Villa departure

There could also be further movement among Villa’s attacking options before the transfer window closes.

Tammy Abraham is poised to join Ipswich Town on loan after Villa indicated they were prepared to allow the striker to leave temporarily.

The 28-year-old is understood to be happy at Villa Park, but a switch to Portman Road is now moving closer.

No option or obligation to make the transfer permanent is expected to be included in the agreement.

If Watkins and Abraham both depart, Jackson could quickly become one of the most important figures in Emery’s attacking plans.

What could Nicolas Jackson bring to Aston Villa?

Jackson would arrive with considerable experience despite still being only 25.

His record of 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea demonstrated his ability to contribute regularly in English football, while another 11 goals during his spell with Bayern showed he could also make an impact away from the Premier League.

He already understands Emery’s methods from their time together at Villarreal, which could help him settle into Villa’s system more quickly.

That familiarity may be particularly valuable at a time when the squad is undergoing such substantial change.

Replacing Watkins’ 108 Premier League goals will be a significant task, but Villa appear ready to place their faith in Jackson as the club moves into a new era under Emery.

Watch Aston Villa at Villa Park with Eventmasters

A new-look Aston Villa squad is beginning to take shape, with supporters set to see several new faces at Villa Park during the 2026/27 season.

Villa’s upcoming home fixtures include the visit of reigning Premier League champions Arsenal on Monday 31st August, before Nottingham Forest arrive on Saturday 12th September and Brentford visit on Saturday 10th October.

Official Aston Villa hospitality packages are available through Eventmasters for selected fixtures, providing premium seating alongside a range of food, drink and matchday hospitality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nicolas Jackson joining Aston Villa?

Aston Villa are close to completing a deal for Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. The clubs have reached a broad agreement over a transfer worth up to £65m, although personal terms still need to be finalised.

How much will Aston Villa pay for Nicolas Jackson?

Villa are expected to pay around £50m initially, with a further £15m potentially due in add-ons.

Is Ollie Watkins leaving Aston Villa?

Watkins is expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal once Villa complete the signing of Jackson. The proposed deal is worth approximately £51m.

How many Premier League goals has Ollie Watkins scored for Aston Villa?

Watkins has scored 108 Premier League goals for Aston Villa, making him the club’s record goalscorer in the competition.

How many goals did Nicolas Jackson score for Chelsea?

Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea after joining the club from Villarreal in 2023.

How did Nicolas Jackson perform at Bayern Munich?

Jackson spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances and helping the club win the Bundesliga.

Can I book Aston Villa hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers official Aston Villa hospitality packages for selected fixtures at Villa Park throughout the 2026/27 season.