Atletico Madrid have given up hope of signing Nicolas Jackson, with the out-of-favour Chelsea forward reportedly on the cusp of a big-money move to Aston Villa.
Jackson joined up with Chelsea again this summer following a season-long loan spell with Bayern Munich, but played no part in the Blues’ 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday night.
Bundesliga champions Bayern confirmed in April that they had no intention of signing Jackson on a permanent basis, leaving the 25-year-old in a state of limbo ahead of the new season.
Aston Villa have been keeping close tabs on Jackson’s situation for well over 12 months and have stepped up their pursuit of the attacker over the last few days, with Ollie Watkins expected to depart for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
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According to Spanish newspaper AS, a proposed move to Atleti appears ‘increasingly unlikely’ and Jackson looks set to become Unai Emery’s newest addition at Villa Park.
Jackson had been identified as a potential replacement for wantaway Atleti forward Julian Alvarez at the Metropolitano Stadium, but the La Liga giants must now consider alternative options if they are to reinforce their frontline.
It’s claimed Jackson has agreed personal terms with Villa and Emery’s side also have a verbal deal in place over a fee believed to in the region of £60-65million.
Jackson is expected to put pen to paper on a six-year contract with Villa, tying him to the club until 2032.
Villa are said to have been keen on Jackson ‘for several summers’ and Watkins’ impending departure has only intensified their interest heading the final week of the transfer window.
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Emery has been left upset and frustrated by the recent departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa for Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, and is desperate to bring in an attacker with Premier League experience before Tuesday’s deadline.
The possible sale of Emiliano Martinez would help fund Villa’s move for Jackson, with Chelsea offered the chance to sign the Argentina goalkeeper in the last few hours.
Jackson has racked up 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal at the start of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign back in 2023.
The Senegal international enjoyed an encouraging debut season in west London, netting 14 times in the Premier League, but struggled for form the following campaign before being sent to Germany on loan.
He still has seven years remaining on his current contract with Chelsea.
Facing the media ahead of Villa’s thumping 4-0 defeat to Brighton, Emery made no secret of the fact star striker Watkins could soon be set for the exit door.
‘We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him,’ the Spaniard told reporters.
‘He is our player, I don’t want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.
‘This is the routine we have and we did before with the players they are losing. With Ollie, he is here, and he has always been up and down in his performance.
‘He is a fantastic striker, we always believe in him and we supported him and he did it. Now he is our player and there is ten days more or less to finish the transfer window.
‘We will see what happens. He is our player, I am happy with him and in case he stays with us, he is going to continue playing his level.
‘If he is leaving it will be for the best three ways. One is him, another is the club and another is the team.’
On Martinez’s future, Emery added: ‘He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career.
‘Not now, even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change and he didn’t do last year, and he performed fantastic with us.
‘This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign [Zion] Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martínez is leaving.’
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