Chelsea set £65m valuation for Nicolas Jackson as Aston Villa weigh record bid
Chelsea have placed a £65m price tag on Nicolas Jackson, with Aston Villa preparing a formal approach that would surpass their previous spending records.
Chelsea have established an asking price of £65m for striker Nicolas Jackson, according to reports from The Athletic. Aston Villa are currently evaluating a formal bid for the Senegalese forward, a transaction that would represent a club-record deal for the Villans. The potential move follows a season-long loan spell at Bayern Munich, where Jackson scored 11 goals in 34 appearances across the Bundesliga and Champions League.
The German club ultimately declined a £70m option to make the transfer permanent, allowing Chelsea to retain control over the player’s future. Jackson has since returned to Stamford Bridge and is participating in the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. His performance in Germany, where he averaged a goal every 119 minutes, has reinforced his standing, although Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has not ruled out retaining the striker.
Alonso, whose four-year contract officially commences on 1 July, described Jackson as a "great player" and a "threat against any defence." Speaking on the squad's composition, the manager emphasised the need for competition within the attacking line. "We need to go day by day, checking options," Alonso stated. "But we are happy that Nico is with us... for sure Nico is one of them."
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly open to reuniting with Jackson, who previously played under his guidance at Villarreal. The Villans have generated more than £190m from player sales this summer, providing the financial capacity to pursue the record-breaking bid. Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £32m and has scored 30 goals in 81 games across two seasons, drawing mixed reviews for his finishing efficiency despite his high volume of chances created.
Statistical analysis indicates that Jackson has been a significant creator of opportunities, with only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland averaging more non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League since January 2020. While he has faced criticism for missing big chances, his conversion rate in Germany exceeded his expected goals metrics. Other Chelsea strikers, including Emmanuel Emegha, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu, are also expected to leave the club this summer.
