Villa close to £65m move for Chelsea’s Jackson

Aston Villa are reportedly close to securing the signing of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal valued at up to £65 million. The clubs have reached a general consensus on the terms, with Chelsea expected to meet their £47.5 million initial offer, plus £17.5 million in potential add-ons. If Jackson agrees to the personal terms and completes the transfer to Villa, it is anticipated that Ollie Watkins' move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal will follow.

However, the deal remains contingent on the player agreeing to personal terms. If successful, Jackson would join a raft of new signings this summer, including Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki, and Matteo Ruggeri. The move would also see the departure of five players from Villa's starting lineup, which won the Europa League in May, including Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Youi Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa.

Jackson's arrival would provide Villa with a player who previously spent time at Villarreal, where he scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Spanish club. He recently played for Bayern Munich, helping them secure the Bundesliga title.