Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gives the thumbs-up
Aston Villa could be prompted to make a transfer bid for Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, according to reports - with Unai Emery's men potentially being in the market for a new striker this summer after reports touted their current stars with a move away from Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins has been a stalwart in the west Midlands, recently becoming Villa's all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League - though he's been linked with Arsenal. Having seen Jhon Duran depart for the Saudi Pro League in January and Marcus Rashford fail to make his loan switch permanent, Villa are in the market for a talisman - and Jackson could be an opportunity for them to pounce upon in the coming weeks.
Report: Villa Have 'Serious Interest' in Nicolas Jackson, Could Make Offer
The Villans are looking to improve their attack and Jackson fits the bill
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson
The report by esteemed Chelsea writer, Si Phillips, states that Chelsea like Jackson, but there has been a desire to upgrade him and bring in more competition. The Blues reportedly believe that the Senegalese striker doesn't have what it takes to lead Chelsea in the Champions League at present, and have looked to bring in others.
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Nicolas Jackson's Premier League statistics - Chelsea squad ranking
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That could open up a selling standpoint, and the Stamford Bridge outfit will 'very much' listen to any offers that arrive without looking to push Jackson towards the exit. With that in mind, Enzo Maresca's men are expecting offers to arrive, and clubs such as Villa believe that Chelsea will sell him if a suitable offer arrives, which has encouraged any interested parties.
Villa have been name-checked as having had serious interest in the former Villarreal star, and are considering making their offer, with Jackson's agent expected to be 'very busy' in the coming days and weeks, waiting on Chelsea and seeing what they do in the market.
To further that, Jackson has only shown unhappiness throughout the campaign for various reasons, over what he feels has been unfair criticism and abuse from the Blues faithful, despite being named as 'one of the Premier League's best strikers'.
Jackson hasn't yet communicated his desire to leave, though it could happen soon, even though Chelsea haven't told the former La Liga star to find a new club just yet - and if he personally tells the club's hierarchy that he wishes to leave, they won't stand in his way in what promises to be a whirlwind summer for both Chelsea and Villa.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gives the thumbs-up