Nicolas Jackson is set to leave Chelsea for Aston Villa, with the deal now at the very final stages.
Softfootball understands that Chelsea are prepared to accept a £65 million package from Aston Villa for the Senegal international, with the final details now being discussed between the clubs.
Jackson has already said yes to the Villa project and has spoken directly with manager Unai Emery about the move. The striker is sold on the opportunity to work under Emery and is now waiting for the final green light on the remaining details before undergoing his medical.
Aston Villa have made Jackson their priority attacking target as they reshape their forward options, with the 25-year-old now closing in on a permanent departure from Stamford Bridge.
We reported two days ago that Villa had opened club-to-club talks with Chelsea after identifying Jackson as their preferred option.
Jackson had emerged as Villa’s preferred attacking option as they assess their plans for the final stages of the transfer window. The Senegal international is understood to be open to joining Villa, giving the Premier League club encouragement as negotiations get underway.
The move could also have implications at the other end of the pitch, with Chelsea considering a late-window move for Emiliano Martínez.
Martínez has been offered to Chelsea following the arrival of Zion Suzuki at Villa Park, while the Blues are now debating whether Xabi Alonso needs a new No.1.
With Jackson’s transfer approaching completion, both clubs could be involved in significant late-window business, potentially seeing the Argentine goalkeeper and Senegalese striker move in opposite directions.
