Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson
Aston Villa, like the rest of the Premier League, will have watched Chelsea conduct their summer transfer business with raised eyebrows, as the Blues juggle Club World Cup commitments on the pitch with pricey deals struck off of it.
are, at this moment in time, in line to complete deals for Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion for around £55m and for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for more than £50m, while they have emerged as late rivals to Tottenham Hotspur for West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus.
The Londoners, who won the Conference League and qualified for the Champions League at expense on the final day of the season, are currently in the quarter finals of the Club World Cup, where they'll take on Brazilian side Palmeiras on Saturday. They've already added Estevao Willian, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez to their squad.
That came after the eye catching signing of Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town, meaning Enzo Maresca's squad is currently stacked in every position - particularly at the top of the pitch. Aside from the new signings and those still coming in in the coming days, they've also welcomed back Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix after their loan spells away.
Then, Chelsea have Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke and Tyrique George in their attacking ranks, although Mykhailo Mudryk is facing a four-year ban for doping offences and the club decided against signing Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis after his loan spell when borrowed from Manchester United ended.
In short, players will have to leave Stamford Bridge this summer and, with the addition of Delap and impending arrival of Pedro, it's expected that the Blues will listen to offers for Senegalese international Nicolas Jackson. The striker, who cost £35m when moving from Villarreal a couple of summers ago, scored 13 goals last season.
Linked , which would mean a reunion with his former Villarreal boss , it's plausible that Jackson will be allowed to leave the capital this summer after increased competition which is likely to reduce his game time. Villa, of course, are after a long-term replacement for the departed Jhon Duran.
What should Villa do in the summer window?
adidas Aston Villa range - how to get yours!
Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.
The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge.
You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design.
The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear -
The DNA range continues with a claret and blue t-shirt - , and on the training pants which can also be matched with any of the items -
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