Aston Villa have stepped back from negotiations to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after being put off by the London club’s steep asking price, according to reports in the British press.
Chelsea are believed to have demanded around €80m for the 23-year-old Senegal international, a figure Villa’s hierarchy considered far beyond their valuation.
The Birmingham side had identified Jackson as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options, but talks have now stalled as a result of the fee.
Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has shown flashes of promise in the Premier League but has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent goalscorer.
Despite mixed fortunes in front of goal, his physicality, pace and movement have kept him on the radar of several clubs.
The striker has privately expressed his willingness to leave Stamford Bridge in search of more regular football, fuelling speculation about a possible summer move.
Interest in Jackson is not limited to Villa, with other European sides said to be monitoring his situation closely.
Villa’s decision to cool their pursuit highlights the growing trend of clubs refusing to be drawn into inflated transfer battles, even in a Premier League market often defined by high spending.
Unai Emery’s side, who have enjoyed steady progress under his management, are keen to strengthen ahead of another demanding campaign but appear unwilling to compromise their financial strategy for a player still viewed as developing.
Chelsea, meanwhile, face a balancing act. The club’s substantial outlay in recent transfer windows has increased pressure to generate funds through player sales, yet they remain firm on their valuation of Jackson.
The Blues are reluctant to lose a player they still see as having long-term potential, unless their price tag is met.
For Jackson, the uncertainty continues. While his desire to move appears clear, the possibility of a deal depends largely on Chelsea lowering their demands or another club being prepared to meet them.
With the transfer window still open, his future remains unresolved, though his next destination is unlikely to be Villa Park.
As things stand, Aston Villa are expected to turn their attention to alternative targets in their search for attacking reinforcements.
Whether Chelsea adjust their stance on Jackson could determine if the striker secures a move away from west London before the close of the window.
