Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Aston Villa have received a major boost in the race for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with Atletico Madrid all but pulling out of the battle for his signature.
Chelsea want to move Jackson on this summer following his underwhelming loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Villa boss Unai Emery is a huge admirer of the Senegal international striker, having managed him at La Liga club Villarreal.
Enjoying this story?
Add Inside Futbol as a preferred source on Google.
They have been edging towards a deal, but the entry of Atletico Madrid into the chase complicated matters.
Jackson decided earlier this week that he wanted to prioritise a move to Los Rojiblancos and would wait to see if they could strike a deal with Chelsea.
Now Atletico Madrid, who favoured signing Jackson on loan, look to have removed themselves from the chase after exploring a swoop.
According to Spanish daily AS, Jackson ‘is no longer a priority’ for Atletico Madrid, amid Chelsea wanting a sale and not a loan.
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2025–26 | 4th |
| 2024–25 | 6th |
| 2023–24 | 4th |
| 2022–23 | 7th |
| 2021–22 | 14th |
Now Atletico Madrid are looking at targets with a similar profile to Jackson that they can sign instead, with the field now seemingly clear for Aston Villa.
The news is a big boost for Villa, with Atletico Madrid having been serious competitors for Jackson and winning the approval of the player.
They are now rated as the clear favourites to get a deal over the line and sign the Senegalese.
With Ollie Watkins keen to head to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Jackson could well slot in to replace the England international.
Watkins has given the green light to moving to Al Hilal and the Saudi Pro League side have sent an offer of €45m to Aston Villa.
Villa have already done business with Chelsea this summer, selling Morgan Rogers to the Stamford Bridge club and signing Alejandro Garnacho.
Emery must make sure he has enough squad depth ahead of a season where Aston Villa must fight in the Champions League as well as seek to maintain their top four status.
As such, landing Jackson but selling Watkins would not increase Villa’s attacking options.
