Football Insider exclusive as Aston Villa manager Unai Emery punches the air, while Nicolas Jackson is in action in a circular inset.

Jackson is closing in on a move to Villa.Imago

Nicolas Jackson close to agreeing Aston Villa terms - Sources

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

26 Aug 2026, 8:37 am

Nicolas Jackson is close to agreeing personal terms over a move to Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.

The Chelsea striker has been heavily linked with a switch to Villa Park in recent weeks, and Unai Emery's side are now closing in on their man.

Chelsea have already made it clear that they are hoping to sell Jackson before the 1 September deadline, as he is not part of Xabi Alonso's plans.

Villa have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, and are now growing ever closer towards landing him.

If they can reach a personal agreement with the Senegal international, then it would be purely down to the two clubs to reach an agreement over a fee.

Chelsea have been holding out for a £65million deal for Jackson, but Villa are operating against a backdrop of financial rules concerns.

Aston Villa ready structured Nicolas Jackson deal

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Villa are incapable of paying Jackson's full £65m valuation in full.

Emery's side have lost several key stars already this summer, but that has done little to change their perilous standing when it comes to SCR.

As a result, they are working on a structured deal for Jackson at the moment, in a bid to avoid paying the full £65m up front.

Emery is no stranger to the former Villarreal man, having previously handed him his senior debut during his time in charge of the La Liga outfit.

Jackson featured sporadically for Chelsea during their pre-season campaign, but was left out of their 3-2 win at Fulham last Monday.

Sources: Aston Villa work on Nicolas Jackson loan-to-buy deal

Aston Villa should be 'very happy' with Ollie Watkins deal they've agreed - Keith Wyness

Aston Villa should be 'very happy' with Ollie Watkins deal

Former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Villa should be "very happy" if they can secure a fee in excess of £45m for Ollie Watkins.

Al Hilal are closing in on a deal to secure the 30-year-old's signature, and have already seen multiple bids for the England international rejected.

Watkins has already agreed personal terms over a move to Saudi Arabia, and missed Villa's opening-day defeat at Brighton last weekend.

His likely departure has caused plenty of anger among the supporters, but Wyness believes Villa should be happy with the fee they are likely to get.

Chelsea Football Club