Aston Villa step up talks with Chelsea over forward Nicolas Jackson move

Aston Villa have intensified negotiations with Chelsea as they look to bring in Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson to bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options.

Talks are under way with both Chelsea and the 25-year-old’s representatives, with Villa keen to secure an agreement in the coming weeks for a player they believe can add pace and depth to their forward line.

The Birmingham club are exploring a loan deal that would include an option to buy, as they attempt to find a financial structure acceptable to Chelsea and the player.

Jackson, who has returned to Stamford Bridge following a season on loan at Bayern Munich, is not expected to stay long in London this summer, with his future now the subject of negotiations between the two Premier League clubs.

Loan with option to buy on the table

Villa’s current proposal centres on a temporary move, with a view to a permanent transfer should Jackson impress.

Bayern paid €16.5m to take the Senegal international on loan last season, but chose not to trigger a purchase option set at €65m after his campaign in Germany.

Jackson scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances for the Bundesliga side, but that output was not enough for Bayern to commit to the previously agreed fee.

Any deal with Villa is expected to involve different terms, and discussions are described as complex given the player’s long-term contract at Chelsea.

Long Chelsea deal complicates negotiations

Jackson, formerly of Villarreal, signed a lengthy agreement when he joined Chelsea and is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 30 June 2033.

Since arriving at the Premier League club, he has registered 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 matches in all competitions, figures that strengthen Chelsea’s negotiating position as they weigh up whether to sanction another loan or push for a sale.

The forward, who was born in Banjul, is currently valued at around €40m by Transfermarkt, a figure that provides a rough indication of his standing in the market but does not bind Chelsea in talks.

His salary is also a factor for Villa. During his spell at Bayern Munich, Jackson earned €6,000,000 per year (3,900,000,000 FCFA), and matching or approaching those wages would represent a significant commitment for any club looking to take him on.

Villa’s attacking rebuild

Villa’s pursuit of Jackson forms part of a broader effort to strengthen their attacking department ahead of the new season, with Emery seeking a forward who can stretch defences and offer a direct threat in behind.

Club officials want the deal wrapped up within weeks to give the player time to integrate into the squad, but the combination of Chelsea’s contract position, the player’s profile and his recent loan terms in Germany means negotiations are expected to remain delicate.

For now, Villa continue discussions with Chelsea and Jackson’s camp as they attempt to find common ground on a structure that would bring the Senegal international to Villa Park while respecting the financial realities on all sides.