Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa hours away after 'slam dunk' update - verdict
Unai Emery could finally be about to reunite with Nicolas Jackson as the striker edges closer to a Chelsea exit this summer.
Aston Villa have been linked with the centre-forward throughout the window, and the deal could be on the verge of completion soon.
Emery gave Jackson his debut at Villarreal before the Senegal international earned his big-money move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
Of course, his move to the Premier League has not worked out as expected, needing an escape to Bayern Munich last season.
Despite his struggles, a race has emerged for the 25-year-old's striker, with the Villans facing competition from Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
While it looked as though the La Liga giants were creeping towards a deal, the latest update would suggest that a U-turn is on the cards now.
Atletico Madrid pull out of race for Nicolas Jackson
According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, in a "slam dunk" update on X, Atletico have pulled out of the race for Jackson this summer.
Chelsea are wanting north of £68m for the striker, though a loan seems far more likely, even if Ollie Watkins leaves for Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
The Villans have rejected a fourth bid for the England international, an offer understood to be worth £45m, but Al-Hilal continue to push.
All signs point towards Watkins leaving Villa Park, and should an agreement be reached, Jackson's move could be announced very soon.
Aston Villa transfer isn't clear-cut despite update
Despite one of La Liga's biggest clubs pulling out of the race, Emery cannot be 100 per cent certain that Jackson will be his man this summer.
Football Insider understands that Tottenham Hotspur are also working on a deal for the Chelsea man, and it is hardly a surprise.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is also on the radar in North London, and mainly because Dominic Solanke has struggled so much since his move.
As well as only scoring six goals in 2025-26, the former Bournemouth man can't seem to stay fit, and Roberto De Zerbi clearly wants someone he can depend on.