Aston Villa have officially confirmed that they have secured a new club‑record signing in the form of Nicolas Jackson, who is arriving from Chelsea. In addition, the club has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to bring Paris Saint‑Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye to Villa Park. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the Villans have agreed to pay a fixed sum of £47.5 million for Jackson, with potential add‑ons that could push the total fee up to around £65 million.
This figure eclipses the £59.5 million they spent earlier this summer on Johan Manzambi, meaning Villa have broken their own transfer record twice in the same window. Jackson has been targeted as the direct replacement for Ollie Watkins, who is on the verge of completing a £50 million move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. The England international forward has not featured in Villa’s recent match against Brighton and is currently undergoing a medical examination in preparation for his departure to the Middle East. The negotiations for Ibrahim Mbaye appear to be moving quickly as well.
Reports suggest that Villa have agreed on a fee in the region of £47 million with PSG, after the club’s pursuit of AC Milan striker Rafa Leão fell through when the Portuguese forward opted to join Galatasaray instead. Sky Sports News first highlighted Villa’s interest in Mbaye back in March, noting that the Premier League side were among several clubs monitoring the 22‑year‑old winger.
Mbaye primarily operates on the right flank and featured in 24 Ligue 1 games for Paris Saint‑Germain last season, contributing three goals and two assists. Liverpool were also linked with a possible deal for the player during the summer, but they eventually turned their attention to his teammate Bradley Barcola. The summer transfer period has been a period of significant turnover for Villa. The club has seen the departures of key figures such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne.
In addition, both Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez appear likely to leave. At the same time, Villa have reinforced the squad with a host of new arrivals, including Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, Leon Goretzka, João Gomes, Aaron Wan‑Bissaka, Matteo Ruggeri and, of course, Nicolas Jackson.
When asked about the club’s transfer strategy ahead of the September 1 deadline, manager Unai Emery spoke to the media before Villa’s clash with Arsenal on Monday Night Football. Emery explained, "We have taken some decisions because they are in the best interest of the club.
We aim to compete at the highest level, but certain circumstances are clear and unavoidable." He continued, "It is the right approach and the right decision. We do not want to become a selling club, but we have responsibilities to fulfill. For the club, these deals are beneficial." Emery emphasized that the club’s priorities remain unchanged: "Our focus is still on being competitive. We need to maintain a balance between experienced players and those with immense potential.
I am confident and optimistic about the signings we have made. They are quality players who will help us develop further." He added, "Of course I would like to retain some of our core players who contribute to our success, but I understand that change is sometimes necessary.
I have dealt with similar situations before, and I am prepared for it." Looking ahead, Emery concluded, "Our objective is to progress steadily and consistently. It will take time, but we are committed to building a squad that can achieve great things together." Overall, Villa’s activity this summer reflects an ambitious plan to overhaul the squad while maintaining a competitive edge.
By breaking their transfer record twice, securing a proven Premier League striker in Jackson and adding a young, dynamic winger in Mbaye, the club is signalling its intent to challenge for higher positions in the league. The upcoming fixtures, particularly the high‑profile encounter with Arsenal, will provide an early test of how quickly the new signings can integrate and impact the team’s performances.