Aston Villa sign Nicolas Jackson in deal worth up to £65m
What's next: Jackson could debut against Arsenal as Ollie Watkins closes in on a £50m move to Al-Hilal.
Aston Villa completed the signing of striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £65 million, giving Unai Emery a new center-forward as Ollie Watkins heads toward an exit. Villa paid an initial £47.5 million for the 25-year-old Senegal international, with add-ons taking the fee to a club record. Jackson signed a five-year contract after leaving Chelsea, where he scored 30 goals in 81 appearances and spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich. The move comes as Villa prepare for life after Watkins, who is set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a £50 million transfer. Emery has described the switch as the start of a “new chapter” for Villa after a turbulent week around Watkins' departure.