Nicolas Jackson joins Aston Villa in potential £65m deal to reunite with Unai Emery

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for £47.5m up front, with a further £17.5m available in add-ons.

The 25-year-old striker joins Villa Park after Ollie Watkins moved to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and is expected to lead Unai Emery’s attack.

Jackson’s transfer also reunites him with Emery, who coached him at Villarreal before the forward moved to Chelsea in June 2023.

“Emery was a big factor when I arrived in Spain,” Jackson said.

“He’s been very important to me since the beginning; he’s always asking about my family.

“He developed me in Villarreal, and I’m very happy to be here and working for him again.”

The Senegal international said Emery’s plans for Aston Villa played a significant part in his decision to join the club and work with the manager again.

“With the coach, I’ve known him for a long time,” he said. “With him calling me and from talking to him, he explained the project to me.

“I like the project so much, and that’s why I’m here. Hopefully we can do a lot of things together.”

Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea. He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring eight goals in 23 league matches.

He has also become an established member of the Senegal national team, with 37 caps and eight international goals.

The striker already knows several players in the Villa squad and believes the team has the ability to compete for honours.

“Hopefully we can win many games and trophies as well because that’s what every player wants to do,” Jackson said.

“I want to score a lot of goals for the team as well. Hopefully we can achieve that and win some trophies.”

Jackson said he would bring commitment and determination to Emery’s team, while also targeting a strong contribution in front of goal.

“I will bring my spirit, fighting for the badge, fighting for the coach, as I always do,” he said. “That’s what I want to bring, and to score some goals as well.

“I’m very happy to be here.”

The move ends months of speculation linking Jackson with a switch to Villa Park. He said he was pleased finally to have completed the transfer and was ready to begin work with his new club.

“I’m very happy because it’s a massive club,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to joining here for a few years.

“I’m very happy that I’m here finally. I’m ready to work.”