Aston Villa Close to £65m Deal for Chelsea Striker Nicolas Jackson

Villa in advanced talks for the Senegalese forward; Crystal Palace separately attempt to hijack Villa's parallel pursuit of Ordonez.

Aston Villa are close to a £65m agreement with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, with the framework of negotiations now at an advanced stage.

The Senegalese forward would switch between Premier League clubs if the package is finalised. One report indicates the broad shape of an agreement is close, with neither club yet formally announcing the transfer.

Jackson arrived at Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 and has been a regular feature in their attack across two seasons. His potential departure comes amid intensified competition for attacking places at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea having moved to reshape their forward line through their own summer recruitment.

Villa would be adding a Premier League-proven striker. They are also pursuing Ordonez in a separate deal, with Crystal Palace now attempting to hijack that pursuit according to a separate report. No terms or completed deal have been confirmed on the Ordonez side. The situation is fluid; both clubs are competing for the same target.

The £65m valuation, if confirmed, would rank among the larger intra-Premier League sales of the window for a player who arrived at Chelsea two years ago. The structure of the deal — including add-ons and payment terms — remains under discussion, with personal terms on the player's side yet to be finalised.

Chelsea have not commented publicly. Jackson remains under contract at Stamford Bridge, and any transfer would require the player to agree terms with Villa before the window closes.

Confirmation, if it comes, is expected before the window shuts.