Aston Villa are close to signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth up to £65m, subject to personal terms. The move could prompt Villa forward Ollie Watkins to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, marking another major change in Villa’s squad after their Europa League success.

Chelsea would receive £47.5m initially plus £17.5m in add-ons for the 25-year-old Senegal international, who previously worked with Villa manager Unai Emery at Villarreal. Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 Chelsea appearances after joining for £35m in 2023, and scored 11 times on loan at Bayern Munich last season; Villa have already sold several key players and expect goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to leave.