---
title: "Chelsea expect £65m Aston Villa bid as Jackson race flips"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/21/chelsea-expect-65m-aston-villa-bid-as-jackson-race-flips/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Chelsea Transfer News"
published: "2026-08-21T18:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-21T18:30:00Z"
---

# Chelsea expect £65m Aston Villa bid as Jackson race flips

**Chelsea are expecting Aston Villa to make a move for Nicolas Jackson as uncertainty over Ollie Watkins’ future creates a potential £65million transfer domino.**

Villa have been interested in Jackson throughout the summer, but their pursuit could now accelerate significantly.

[The Telegraph reports that Chelsea expect Aston Villa to bid for the striker](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/08/21/aston-villa-close-in-on-chelsea-striker-nicolas-jackson/), with Unai Emery looking to strengthen his attacking options as Watkins pushes for a move to Al-Hilal.

Chelsea value Jackson at around £65m and would prefer a permanent departure rather than another loan.

> 🚨🇸🇳 Crucial days ahead for Nicolas Jackson to leave Chelsea as clubs working on it behind the scenes.\
> \
> Aston Villa, keen since August 2025 and still there if Watkins joins Al Hilal; Atlético Madrid also interested and in active talks.\
> \
> Spurs and Napoli had called but [#CFC](https://x.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) only… [pic.twitter.com/PRZprUYdW4](https://t.co/PRZprUYdW4)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2090757479231623617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Nicolas Jackson Aston Villa move gathers momentum

Villa’s position is closely connected to Watkins.

[Sky Sports reports that Villa are expected to move for Jackson if Watkins is sold to Al-Hilal](https://www.manxradio.com/news/uk-sport/aston-villa-transfer-news-unai-emerys-side-expected-to-make-nicolas-jackson-approach-if-ollie-watkins-sold-to-al-hilal/), with the Saudi club continuing negotiations after having offers rejected.

Watkins wants the move, while Emery has publicly acknowledged that his future remains uncertain.

Jackson would provide Villa with a ready-made Premier League replacement.

The 25-year-old also knows Emery well after working under the Spaniard at Villarreal before joining Chelsea.

His other options are beginning to narrow.

[ReadChelsea reported on Friday that Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany travelled to London to discuss Jackson](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/21/atletico-chief-flies-to-london-for-65m-chelsea-striker-talks/), but Atletico were pursuing an initial loan.

[AS now reports that Jackson is no longer a priority for Atletico](https://as.com/futbol/primera/nico-jackson-se-aleja-del-atleti-f202608-n/) after Chelsea made clear they want to prioritise a permanent sale.

That potentially strengthens Villa’s position.

Napoli remain another interested club after [ReadChelsea reported that contact had been made over Jackson earlier this week](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/20/napoli-make-contact-over-65m-chelsea-striker-as-condition-emerges/), although the Italian champions also need to resolve outgoing business.

Chelsea have little uncertainty over what they want.

Jackson is available, a permanent transfer is preferred and Villa now appear to be emerging as the strongest Premier League route.

If Watkins’ Saudi move advances, Chelsea could soon receive the £65m approach they have been waiting for.