Aston Villa have completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, bringing the Senegalese striker to Villa Park in a deal that could eventually reach £65 million.
Jackson has agreed to a five-year contract with the Midlands club, with an option to extend his stay for another year. His arrival adds another major attacking option to Unai Emery’s squad and reunites the manager with a player he previously worked with in Spain.
The transfer is reportedly worth an initial £47.5 million, with a further £17.5 million available through performance-related add-ons. For Chelsea, the agreement represents a sizeable return on the £32 million they paid Villarreal for Jackson in 2023.
The move also carries a sense of familiarity for Jackson. His most productive period in Spain came under Emery’s guidance, and the striker will now look to rediscover that form in claret and blue as he begins another chapter in the Premier League.
Time to lead from the front 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4FP2kSi711
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 28, 2026
Chelsea’s decision to part ways with the forward comes as Xabi Alonso continues to reshape his attacking options. Jackson had featured during the club’s pre-season preparations and remained part of the first-team setup, but the opportunity to bring in a significant transfer fee, combined with the player’s desire to work with Emery again, ultimately paved the way for his departure.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Jackson was part of the Chelsea teams that lifted the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. He finished that campaign with 13 goals, including one in the final against Real Betis.
Now, the focus shifts to Villa Park, where Jackson will be expected to lead the line and justify Villa’s sizeable investment. With Emery already familiar with his qualities, the club will be hoping their new number nine can quickly rediscover the form that made him such a sought-after forward.
“I’m very happy that I’m here finally…” 😁
Nico’s first interview at the Villa 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/hbE9tmZk2c
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 28, 2026