Aston Villa break record to snap up Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson

Aston Villa have secured the signing of Senegal international striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for a club‑record fee reported at €75 million, signing him on a five‑year contract. The deal, understood by the Press Association to be worth £65 million, makes Jackson the most expensive player in Villa’s history and ends his season‑long exile at Stamford Bridge.

Villa’s strategic push for Jackson

Aston Villa pursued Jackson as a direct replacement for outgoing striker Ollie Watkins, whose £50 million move to Al Hilal is being finalised. Manager Unai Emery, who worked with Jackson at Villarreal, confirmed the acquisition during his pre‑match press conference ahead of the club’s game against Arsenal.

Jackson arrives with a proven Premier League record, having scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining in 2023. His contributions helped Chelsea capture the Conference League and the Club World Cup during his short spell.

Chelsea had separated Jackson from Xabi Alonso’s first‑team plans, training him apart after the Spaniard indicated he was not in the season’s plans. Previously, Jackson was frozen out by former manager Enzo Maresca before a loan to Bayern Munich that failed to trigger a permanent transfer.

Emery praised the departing striker Ollie Watkins, saying: “I can tell you his commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. We didn’t get a deal to finish his last match playing at Brighton, but he told us after the match he was sorry, and he told us as well he made a mistake. Now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”

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For Jackson, the move offers regular Premier League football under a manager who values his abilities, while Villa secure a marquee signing to bolster their attack after Watkins’ exit. Chelsea, meanwhile, free up squad space and wage budget after deeming the forward surplus to requirements.