Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are competing to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after both clubs reportedly agreed personal terms with the Senegal international.
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The two sides are now attempting to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a deal worth around £65 million before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.
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Villa currently appear to have the advantage as they work on a potential departure for Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
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Villa see Jackson as Watkins replacement
Villa manager Unai Emery is keen on Jackson, having handed the striker his first-team debut during their time together at Villarreal.
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The 25-year-old has been considered surplus to requirements at Chelsea and could provide Villa with a direct replacement for Watkins if the England forward completes his proposed move to Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal have already seen four offers for Watkins rejected, with Villa reportedly demanding around £50m before sanctioning his departure.
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Villa’s need for another striker has also increased because Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are currently injured.
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However, any deal for Jackson would need to navigate financial regulations involving both clubs.
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Atletico wait on Alvarez situation
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Atletico are also pushing to sign Jackson but their pursuit could depend on what happens with Julian Alvarez.
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The Argentina forward remains a target for Barcelona and Arsenal, although Alvarez reportedly favours a move to Barcelona.
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Atletico would also prefer to avoid selling him to another Spanish club, making his situation more complicated.
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Jackson’s potential transfer to Villa also carries financial implications because Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for £117m in July.
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With the two transfers taking place within 45 days, UEFA could regard them as a linked transaction when assessing the clubs’ financial reporting.
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A temporary move is also complicated by Premier League regulations, with Chelsea unable to loan Jackson to Villa while Alejandro Garnacho is already on loan at the club.
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Both Chelsea and Villa operate under UEFA settlement agreements following previous financial breaches, meaning further violations could result in additional sanctions.
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Chelsea’s need to raise funds could increase if Manchester City revive their interest in Enzo Fernandez with a bid of £120m or more.
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