Aston Villa chase £60m club‑record for Chelsea striker

Aston Villa are on the verge of a club‑record signing, targeting Chelsea’s 25‑year‑old striker Nicolas Jackson with a deal that could exceed £60 million if personal terms are settled in the coming weeks. The Premier League side hope the forward will boost their attack ahead of the new season.

Villa’s summer Transfers have already reshaped the squad. The £117 million sale of Morgan Rogers to Stamford Bridge was completed, and Alejandro Garnacho arrived on loan with an option to buy, giving Unai Emery further scope to add a striker he knows well.

Jackson is familiar with Emery from their time together at Villarreal, a link Villa believe strengthens both sporting and personal compatibility. The manager’s confidence in the striker’s fit underpins the club’s pursuit.

TeamTalk reported that Villa officials described the negotiations as “positive” and said “extensive discussions” with Chelsea have taken place, with talks set to accelerate in the coming days as they move into a decisive phase.

Emery praised Jackson’s “pace, movement and familiarity with tactical demands”, calling him a long‑term admirer of the 25‑year‑old’s qualities. Jackson, a 62‑goal striker, has netted 30 times in 81 appearances for Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have indicated they will only sanction a departure for a fee in excess of £60 million, setting a high‑water mark for Villa. The club, however, appears confident that personal terms with Jackson’s representatives are progressing positively.

If Jackson joins Villa, the club may consider the departure of Ollie Watkins before the window closes, although they are not actively seeking to push the England international out. Discussions about Liam Delap have also taken place, but Jackson remains Villa’s priority as price becomes the decisive battleground.