BREAKING: Aston Villa Agree £65m Deal to Sign Nicolas Jackson From Chelsea—-Unai Emery is set to reunite with the Senegal international after Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea for a package worth £65 million, according to reports.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth £65 million, according to reporting attributed to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The agreement brings an end to a rapidly developing transfer saga surrounding the Senegal international, who had attracted interest from both Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid.

The reported package is understood to include a £47.5 million initial fee, with a further £17.5 million in performance-related bonuses and add-ons.

Emery Set for Reunion With Jackson

The move will see Jackson reunite with Unai Emery, who worked with the forward during their time at Villarreal.

Emery is believed to have been a major factor in Villa’s pursuit of the 25-year-old, with reports indicating that the manager has remained in close contact with Jackson during negotiations.

Jackson’s pace, movement and ability to operate both centrally and from wider positions are expected to give Emery additional options in attack.

Chelsea Agree £65m Exit

Chelsea had been looking for a permanent solution for Jackson after his loan spell at Bayern Munich last season.

The German club opted against making the move permanent, leaving Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Chelsea had maintained a valuation of around £65 million for the striker, with Villa ultimately agreeing to meet that figure.

The transfer would represent a significant piece of business for Chelsea, who signed Jackson from Villarreal in 2023.

Villa Move to Replace Watkins

Jackson’s arrival is closely linked to the expected departure of Ollie Watkins, who is closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Villa have been searching for attacking reinforcements as Watkins’ exit approaches, and Jackson has emerged as their preferred solution.

The Senegalese forward has already scored 24 Premier League goals in 65 appearances for Chelsea, giving Villa a player with considerable experience in England’s top flight.

Jackson Chooses Villa Over Atlético

Atlético Madrid had also been pursuing Jackson and had reportedly reached an understanding with the player over personal terms.

However, Villa’s position strengthened as negotiations with Chelsea progressed, with the Midlands club now understood to be ahead in the race and having agreed the transfer with the Blues.

The agreement represents another major investment from Villa as Emery reshapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.

A New Chapter for Jackson

For Jackson, the move offers an opportunity to revive his career under a manager who already knows his qualities.

After an inconsistent spell at Chelsea and a season on loan at Bayern Munich, the striker will now have the chance to establish himself as a key attacking figure at Villa Park.

If the remaining formalities are completed, Jackson will become one of the biggest signings in Aston Villa’s history and could be tasked with filling the void left by Watkins.

BREAKING: Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Dies at 80—-The legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist leaves behind a six-decade legacy that transformed country music and reached audiences around the world.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to one of the most extraordinary careers in American music.

Parton’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with her nephew Bryan Seaver announcing the news through a video shared on her official social media accounts.

The announcement comes after Parton had recently spoken publicly about health challenges that had affected her over the past year.

A Six-Decade Musical Legacy

Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton rose from poverty to become one of the most influential and recognisable entertainers in the world.

Her career began in the 1960s and eventually produced some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

She wrote approximately 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records worldwide, establishing herself not only as a performer but also as one of the most accomplished songwriters of her generation.

Her composition “I Will Always Love You” achieved another level of global success when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992.

From Country Star to Global Icon

Parton’s influence extended well beyond music.

She became a successful actress, starring in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, while also building a major business empire around her brand and the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

Her distinctive voice, songwriting ability, humour and instantly recognisable appearance made her one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers.

A Legacy of Giving

Away from entertainment, Parton was also renowned for her philanthropy.

Her Imagination Library literacy programme has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children, while she supported numerous charitable and humanitarian causes throughout her life.

She also donated $1 million toward COVID-19 vaccine research, further cementing her reputation as an entertainer who used her wealth and influence to support causes beyond the music industry.

The End of an Era

Parton’s death marks the passing of one of the defining figures of modern country music.

Across nearly six decades, she successfully crossed musical, cultural and generational boundaries while remaining closely connected to the Appalachian roots that shaped her early life.

With her death, the world loses not only a country music superstar but also a songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose influence extended far beyond the stage.

Dolly Parton was 80.

May her soul rest in peace.