Aston Villa are making moves as they look to beat Atletico Madrid to the signature of Chelsea misfit Nicolas Jackson.
Aston Villa are in negotiations to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson this summer as they prepare for Ollie Watkins’ likely Saudi departure, but face competition from Atletico Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Villa have stepped up their interest in Jackson with Watkins attracting strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Saudi club are keen to sign the England international, who has reportedly agreed personal terms over a potential move. With uncertainty surrounding Watkins’s future, Villa have turned their attention towards Jackson as a possible replacement. The 25-year-old is surplus to new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans, positioning him to leave before the window closes.
Atletico Madrid enter race to sign Jackson
However, Atletico Madrid are also working on a deal for the Senegal international and could represent a major obstacle for Villa. Diego Simeone has asked the club to strengthen his attacking options before the end of the window and could require two new forwards if Julian Alvarez leaves the Spanish capital.
Jackson is now a serious target for Atletico Madrid, with sporting director Mateu Alemany reportedly travelling to London to discuss a potential deal with Chelsea. Atletico prefer a temporary move for the 25-year-old, who was on loan at Bayern Munich last season.
The Senegalese international scored three goals and three assists in 27 La Liga appearances for Villarreal under Emery, and is reportedly open to returning to Spain, an advantage for Simeone. His previous experience in La Liga could give Atletico an edge, especially given his familiarity with the league and its demands. However, a reunion with Emery could also tempt him.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances for the Blues, contributing towards 42 goals. While he has shown flashes of his quality, inconsistency and competition for places have made his position at Stamford Bridge increasingly uncertain.
He offers Villa a proven attacking option, and a solution should Watkins depart. Emery already knows the player from their time together at Villarreal, which could further strengthen the case for a reunion in Birmingham.
Atletico Madrid’s interest poses a credible counter-bid, offering Jackson the chance to return to a familiar league and work under Simeone. Jackson’s choice will determine the shape of Villa’s attack before the window closes.
He will certainly be a quality addition to either side. While he only managed just over 1,300 minutes during his spell at Bayern, he did contribute towards 15 goals, which suggests he certainly has it in him to deliver at the highest level.