Aston Villa have submitted a €70 million bid to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, according to reports from France. The Birmingham club are attempting to secure the Senegal international as they rebuild their squad following the departure of several established first-team players this summer.
The 25-year-old forward spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he registered 11 goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. However, Foot Mercato reports that he is not part of Bayern manager Xabi Alonso’s plans for the upcoming campaign, effectively ending any prospect of a permanent move to the Bundesliga champions. This development leaves Jackson surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge despite having scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the West London club since joining from Villarreal three years ago.
Negotiations ongoing
While Chelsea and Aston Villa are reportedly close to reaching a broad transfer agreement, significant obstacles remain before the deal can be concluded. Personal terms between the player and the Midlands club have not yet been agreed, representing a crucial hurdle that must be cleared before any medical examination or official announcement.
Villa’s urgency to reinforce their attacking options follows a difficult start to the Premier League season. Unai Emery’s side suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat to Brighton in their opening fixture and have seen influential performers including Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers depart the club during the current transfer window.
Striker search continues
The pursuit of Jackson comes after Villa saw a €22 million bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta rejected earlier in the window. The France international had emerged as an alternative target as Emery attempts to replace the attacking output and experience lost through recent squad changes.
Jackson’s potential arrival would represent a significant statement of intent from Villa, though the deal remains contingent upon successful negotiations between the player’s representatives and the club’s hierarchy before the summer transfer deadline.