Aston Villa sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for club‑record fee

Jackson has joined the club as a direct replacement for striker Ollie Watkins, whose transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal is currently being finalised. The new signing, a forward with experience in the English Championship, arrived at the team’s training ground on Monday and completed his medical assessment ahead of a reported five‑year contract. Club officials confirmed that Jackson will be integrated into the first‑team squad immediately, with his registration expected to be processed before the upcoming league fixtures.

Watkins’ move to Al Hilal, which has been the subject of intense speculation over the past weeks, is now in its concluding stages, with both parties reportedly agreeing on personal terms and a transfer fee in the region of £30 million. The departure marks a significant shift for the club’s attacking options, prompting the swift acquisition of Jackson to maintain depth up front. Both the incoming and outgoing transfers are set to reshape the squad’s dynamics as the season progresses, with the club aiming to sustain its competitive performance despite the high‑profile exit.