Nicolas Jackson Aston Villa: Aston Villa have been handed a timely boost in their attempt to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after Tottenham Hotspur backed away from the race. An original report from football.london, later carried by Birmingham Live, claims Spurs are no longer expected to make a move for the 25-year-old Senegal international despite recent speculation.
Nicolas Jackson Aston Villa: Spurs exit race as Villa gain major advantage
That changes the picture. Unai Emery now has a clearer path to reunite with a forward he helped develop at Villarreal before Chelsea signed him in 2023. Their previous working relationship has always made Villa an interesting destination, and the latest update only strengthens that possibility.
Business between Chelsea and Villa has already dominated this transfer window. Morgan Rogers completed his British-record £117 million move to Stamford Bridge, while Alejandro Garnacho arrived at Villa Park on loan with a conditional £43 million obligation to buy once appearance targets are met.
Jackson has returned to Chelsea after Bayern Munich declined their £56 million purchase option. Even so, his numbers in Germany remained respectable. He scored eight Bundesliga goals in 23 league appearances, struck three times in 10 Champions League matches and finished the 2025/26 season with 11 goals and four assists from 34 games in all competitions while lifting the Bundesliga title.
Nicolas Jackson Aston Villa valuation looks open to compromise
Chelsea’s £65 million asking price feels optimistic rather than fixed. Bayern walked away from a permanent deal, which naturally weakened the club’s negotiating position despite Jackson producing useful contributions during his loan spell.
A package worth £50 million upfront with another £10 million linked to realistic performance targets appears far more sensible. Chelsea would still bank a sizeable profit after paying around £32 million to sign him from Villarreal, while reducing a crowded striker department that already includes João Pedro, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha.
Villa would avoid committing their full budget in one payment. That matters after another expensive summer.
Nicolas Jackson Aston Villa reunion suits both football projects
Emery knows exactly how to use Jackson. During their time together in Spain, the Villa manager encouraged his intelligent movement, aggressive pressing and willingness to attack space behind defensive lines.
Those qualities could complement Ollie Watkins rather than replace him immediately. Watkins turns 30 this season, while Jackson offers greater long-term value at 25 and enough versatility to play across the front three.
Read: Chelsea plotting transfer raid on European rivals for £51.5m world-class star
Chelsea still hold the contract and can demand strong terms. Even so, Tottenham’s withdrawal removes one of the biggest obstacles. A structured £60 million agreement now feels easier to justify than matching the full £65 million valuation, especially for a striker whose best football has often arrived under Emery’s guidance.
