Chelsea have rejected a loan offer from Atletico Madrid for Nicolas Jackson and are demanding around £65million for a permanent sale, according to TEAMtalk sources, as Aston Villa and the Spanish club continue to battle for the striker’s signature.
Jackson is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, but Chelsea have made clear they will not sanction another loan for the 25-year-old. That stance suits the Senegal international too, who has little appetite for a second consecutive season away from his parent club having already spent last term on loan at Bayern Munich, where he managed 11 goals and two assists across 34 appearances.
Villa’s Preferred Route Complicated By UEFA Rules
Aston Villa have been the club working hardest on a permanent deal, but their attempts have been complicated by UEFA’s new 45-day rule, which can treat transfers between the same two clubs within that window as linked transactions under the squad-cost ratio regulations. That could affect the profit Villa are able to recognise from Morgan Rogers’ sale, depending on the timing of any Jackson deal.
TEAMtalk understands Villa could still complete a straightforward transfer, but alternative structures are also being explored, including a possible route via Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, who could loan Jackson on. Villa, however, remain focused on their preferred direct approach.
Unai Emery has spoken directly with Jackson, a player he knows well from their time together at Villarreal, and the striker is understood to be keen on reuniting with his former coach. Villa’s need for a new striker has taken on real urgency: Ollie Watkins has turned down a new four-year contract offer and reportedly refused to play against Brighton as he pushes for a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal already having a £45million bid rejected. Emery wants to keep Watkins but has admitted there is “an issue,” which only sharpens Villa’s need to get Jackson’s situation resolved.
Atletico Step Up Interest After Rejected Approach
Atletico’s initial loan proposal was knocked back by Chelsea, but the Madrid club, whose director of football Mateu Alemany travelled to London personally for talks, have stepped up their interest and remain firmly involved as they search for attacking reinforcements while trying to keep hold of wantaway forward Julian Alvarez, who continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona.
TEAMtalk also understands Tottenham have made enquiries about Jackson in recent weeks, and that interest could intensify before the deadline. Jackson has already turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League, while Turkish club Trabzonspor have also shown interest, giving Chelsea a growing market as they hold firm on a permanent-only sale.
Further reading: TEAMtalk: Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid battle Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson
