Aston Villa are on the verge of completing two major signings, with deals for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye nearing completion. The Guardian Football reports the total cost for the pair will approach £100 million, marking a significant squad overhaul as the club sits bottom of the Premier League after one game.
Jackson's move is set at an initial £47.5 million, a figure that could rise to a club-record £65 million through add-ons. The 18-year-old Senegalese winger Mbaye will join from PSG for around £47 million. Both players could be available for Villa's next match, a crucial home fixture against second-placed Arsenal on Monday. The club's immediate focus is on that game, where they will aim to score their first goals of the season after conceding four in an opening defeat.
Why is Ollie Watkins leaving Aston Villa?
The incoming transfers follow the high-profile departure of striker Ollie Watkins, who has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for £50 million. Watkins, who will turn 31 in December, declined a new contract offer from Villa. His exit was preceded by a controversial incident where he refused to play in last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Brighton. Manager Unai Emery addressed the situation, stating, "He told us after the match he was sorry and he told us that he made a mistake, that he was wrong."
Watkins leaves as Aston Villa's record Premier League era goalscorer, having netted 91 times in 221 league appearances. Emery described the £50 million fees received for both Watkins and defender Ezri Konsa, who turns 29 in October, as 'crazy' given their ages. The manager bid farewell to the striker emotionally. "I told him bye with a huge hug and a small tear but now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson," Emery said.
How will the new signings fit into the squad?
The double signing aims to inject fresh attacking impetus into a side that currently sits 20th with zero points and a -4 goal difference. Jackson is expected to lead the line, potentially forming a partnership with fellow new arrival Leon Goretzka, who signed from Bayern Munich on Thursday and could also debut against Arsenal. Mbaye, a Senegal international teammate of Jackson, provides youthful width after making 24 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season, starting ten of them.
These moves are part of a broader reshuffle. Villa have also sold goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to Chelsea for £7.5 million and brought in goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million, who may feature against Arsenal. The club had previously tried to sign Rafael Leão from Milan, but the forward is now poised to join Galatasaray, a team Villa will face in the Champions League. Fans can track the evolving squad composition on our squad page.
What does this mean for Chelsea's transfer business?
Chelsea's acquisition of Martínez is part of their own deadline-day activity. The Blues are also exploring a move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, another Senegal international. Their shortlist includes Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, though both clubs are determined not to sell. A major storyline involves Enzo Fernández, who is desperate to leave Chelsea before Tuesday's deadline. Manchester City have been suggested as a destination for a fee close to £106.7 million, but they have not yet made contact. Sources warn City may have to pay more than Chelsea's initial £120 million asking price. Fernández will only depart if Chelsea's terms are met.
Where does this leave Villa's season prospects?
With the transfer window closing, Villa's immediate challenge is clear. They are three points behind early leaders Brighton and face a daunting task against an Arsenal side flying high in the table. The new signings must gel quickly to address the team's poor start. The club's activity, as reported by The Guardian, shows a clear shift towards a younger attacking profile. Supporters will hope the nearly £100 million investment in Jackson and Mbaye provides the spark needed to climb from the foot of the standings and build momentum.
