Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is reportedly moving closer to a possible transfer to Aston Villa, with Atlético Madrid appearing to have dropped behind in the race for the Senegal international.
According to reports from Spain, Atlético Madrid had been interested in signing Jackson on loan, but Chelsea is insisting on a permanent transfer.
The London club is reportedly seeking a fee of around €80 million for the 25-year-old forward.
The situation has opened the door for Aston Villa, who have emerged as one of the leading candidates to sign Jackson before the transfer window closes.
Villa manager Unai Emery is understood to be a long-term admirer of Jackson, having worked with the striker during his time at Villarreal.
Emery is reportedly keen to bring him to Villa Park as the club prepares for a possible major change in its attacking department.
A key factor in the potential deal is the future of Ollie Watkins. The England striker is attracting strong interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Saudi side.
Villa have already rejected several offers, but negotiations are continuing.
Watkins was notably absent from Villa’s squad for their opening Premier League match against Brighton on Sunday, with Emery later suggesting that the player’s future was behind the situation. Villa went on to suffer a heavy 4-0 defeat.
If Watkins completes his move to Saudi Arabia, Aston Villa could use part of the transfer proceeds to finance a move for Jackson.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he made 34 appearances and scored 11 goals. Chelsea is now prepared to sell him as they reshape their squad.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are considering other attacking options after Chelsea rejected their preferred loan proposal.
Tottenham and Napoli have also been linked with Jackson, meaning the race for his signature could remain open until the transfer deadline.
