Aston Villa seal deal for Chelsea striker Jackson

Aston Villa has secured the services of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a £65 million deal, making it a potential club-record transfer fee. The Senegal international, 25, signed a five-year contract with the club, who are currently Europa League holders. The move reunites Jackson with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who previously worked with the striker at Villarreal.

Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, is set to replace Ollie Watkins, whose £50 million transfer to Al Hilal is still pending finalization. The Villa Park arrival comes as Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had previously informed Jackson he was not part of the team's plans. During his time at Chelsea, Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions, contributing to the club's success in the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.

Jackson had previously been sidelined by former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca last season. Ollie Watkins' impending departure, which includes the exits of Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne, leaves Aston Villa with a notable void at the top of their Premier League goal-scoring charts.