A move taking Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa is now a genuine possibility. The Chelsea striker is reportedly open to joining Unai Emery’s side. Villa have not started club-to-club talks, but Emery wants to reunite with his former Villarreal forward.
The Evening Standard reports that Villa want Jackson after Morgan Rogers’ British-record £117million move to Chelsea. The clubs built a strong working relationship during those negotiations. Their relationship could help if Villa formalise their interest.
Villa are also close to completing a season-long loan for Alejandro Garnacho. The agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy the winger permanently next summer.
Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa would reunite striker with Emery
Jackson played under Emery at Villarreal before Chelsea signed him for £32million in 2023. He has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the London club. However, he spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Bayern declined to trigger a £56million purchase option. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso now plans to assess Jackson during the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand.
Competition from Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha could restrict his minutes. Jackson is assessing his options and would reportedly consider Villa Park in search of a regular starting role.
ReadAstonVilla recently examined how Emery could unlock Alejandro Garnacho after Villa agreed their loan deal with Chelsea. Adding Jackson would give the manager another direct attacker with Premier League experience.
Ollie Watkins remains Villa’s established centre-forward, so Jackson would need clarity over his role. He can also operate from the left or alongside another striker, giving Emery more flexibility.
A Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa deal remains at an early stage. No formal negotiations have begun, while Alonso wants to see the striker in pre-season. Even so, Jackson’s openness gives Villa encouragement as they reinvest the Rogers fee and rebuild their attack.
