Aston Villa have signed Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for a reported club-record fee of £65 million ($87 million).
Jackson has signed a five-year contract with the Europa League holders, reuniting him with Villa manager Unai Emery after the pair previously worked together at Villarreal.
Emery confirmed the 25-year-old’s imminent arrival during a press conference on Friday ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, joins Villa as a replacement for Ollie Watkins, whose reported £50 million move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is being finalised.
The Senegal international had been training separately from Chelsea’s first-team squad after being informed that he was not part of new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.
Jackson leaves Stamford Bridge after scoring 30 goals in 81 appearances in all competitions since joining Chelsea in 2023. He helped the club win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
He was first frozen out by former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca last season before spending the campaign on loan at Bayern.
Meanwhile, Emery confirmed that Watkins is set to leave Villa, with the 30-year-old reportedly moving to Al Hilal.
Watkins is Aston Villa’s leading Premier League goalscorer and is reportedly set to join the Saudi Pro League side after refusing to play in last weekend’s 4-0 defeat by Brighton ahead of his departure.
Jackson’s arrival marks a significant attacking reinforcement for Villa as they begin their campaign, while Watkins’ impending exit brings an end to his time as one of the club’s most prolific Premier League forwards.
AFP
