Aston Villa, Atletico battle for £65m Chelsea striker Jackson
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are competing to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after both clubs reportedly agreed personal terms with the Senegal international.
The two sides are now attempting to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a deal worth around £65 million before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.
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Villa currently appear to have the advantage as they work on a potential departure for Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Villa see Jackson as Watkins replacement
Villa manager Unai Emery is keen on Jackson, having handed the striker his first-team debut during their time together at Villarreal.
The 25-year-old has been considered surplus to requirements at Chelsea and could provide Villa with a direct replacement for Watkins if the England forward completes his proposed move to Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal have already seen four offers for Watkins rejected, with Villa reportedly demanding around £50m before sanctioning his departure.
Villa’s need for another striker has also increased because Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are currently injured.
However, any deal for Jackson would need to navigate financial regulations involving both clubs.
Atletico wait on Alvarez situation
Atletico are also pushing to sign Jackson but their pursuit could depend on what happens with Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina forward remains a target for Barcelona and Arsenal, although Alvarez reportedly favours a move to Barcelona.
Atletico would also prefer to avoid selling him to another Spanish club, making his situation more complicated.
Jackson’s potential transfer to Villa also carries financial implications because Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for £117m in July.
With the two transfers taking place within 45 days, UEFA could regard them as a linked transaction when assessing the clubs’ financial reporting.
A temporary move is also complicated by Premier League regulations, with Chelsea unable to loan Jackson to Villa while Alejandro Garnacho is already on loan at the club.
Both Chelsea and Villa operate under UEFA settlement agreements following previous financial breaches, meaning further violations could result in additional sanctions.
Chelsea’s need to raise funds could increase if Manchester City revive their interest in Enzo Fernandez with a bid of £120m or more.