Aston Villa submit €70m offer for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson | OneFootball

Aston Villa have submitted a formal €70 million bid to Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, according to transfer reporter Santi Aouna.

Villa have stepped up their search for a new centre-forward ahead of the transfer deadline, with current striker Ollie Watkins attracting interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

With a club-to-club agreement close, Villa’s attention now turns to finalising personal terms with Jackson.

The Senegal international has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including Napoli and Atletico Madrid. The latter recently had a loan bid rejected.

Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, Jackson has displayed pace, link-up play and strong ball-carrying, though his finishing has been inconsistent.

He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, most of which came as a back-up to Harry Kane.

Chelsea are keen to part ways with Jackson this summer, preferring an outright sale or a loan with an obligation to buy.

A permanent switch to Villa Park would provide Jackson with an ideal platform under manager Unai Emery. He knows the forward well from their time together at Villarreal.

Jackson is reportedly keen to reunite with Emery.

Signing Jackson for €70m would be a major statement of intent for Villa in what has otherwise been a turbulent summer.

The Europa League champions have lost several key players from last season and have work to do in the transfer market to bolster their squad.

Villa are keen to sign Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and have already made an offer.