Aston Villa have made a formal €70 million bid to Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, according to transfer reporter Santi Aouna.

Villa have intensified their hunt for a new centre-forward before the transfer deadline, with current striker Ollie Watkins drawing interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

With a club-to-club agreement said to be close, Villa are now focusing on agreeing personal terms with Jackson.

The Senegal international has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, including Napoli and Atletico Madrid. Atletico recently saw a loan offer turned down.

Since arriving at Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, Jackson has shown pace, effective link-up play and strong ball-carrying ability, although his finishing has at times lacked consistency.

He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, with most of those outings coming as back-up to Harry Kane.

Chelsea are willing to let Jackson leave this summer and would prefer either a permanent transfer or a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.

A permanent move to Villa Park would give Jackson what could be an ideal opportunity under manager Unai Emery, who knows the forward well from their time together at Villarreal.

Jackson is also reportedly keen on a reunion with Emery.

Bringing Jackson in for €70 million would represent a major statement of intent from Villa in what has otherwise been a turbulent summer.

The Europa League champions have already lost several important players from last season and still have work to do in the transfer market to strengthen their squad.