Aston Villa sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in £65m deal

Aston Villa have secured the signature of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a £65 million deal, making it a potential club-record transfer fee. The Senegal forward, 25, is set to sign a five-year contract with Villa, who are currently Europa League holders. Jackson, who previously spent a season on loan at Bayern Munich, is expected to replace Ollie Watkins, whose £50 million move to an undisclosed Saudi Arabian club is still being finalized.

Jackson had been training separately from Chelsea's first team as he was deemed surplus to requirements under coach Xabi Alonso. This move comes after Jackson was frozen out by former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca last season. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions, contributing to Chelsea's triumphs in the Uefa Conference League and Club World Cup.

However, Watkins' departure, coupled with the exits of Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne, signals a significant change in attack strength for Villa. The club's current top Premier League goalscorer, Watkins, is reported to have refused to play in a recent match against Brighton, further prompting his transfer to Saudi Arabia.