Nicolas Jackson could be the next Chelsea player to join Aston Villa, but the Villans are not going to make a move just yet.
Last year, Chelsea sold Ian Maatsen to Villa, while Omari Kellyman left Villa Park for Stamford Bridge.
Injury has prevented Kellyman from making his Chelsea debut, but his move to the Blues and Maatsen’s switch to the Villans show that there is a good relationship between the two clubs.
It could make it easier for Villa to sign Jackson, though nothing looks imminent at this moment in time.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea FC celebrates with gold medal
Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Aston Villa could make move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson if Ollie Watkins leaves
While Villa are thought to have an interest in Jackson, the Midlands club already have an established Premier League striker in Ollie Watkins.
However, if the 29-year-old leaves Villa Park during this transfer window, it looks as though they could make a swoop for Jackson.
According to GiveMeSport, Villa are “not actively pursuing” Jackson but have identified him as a potential target in the event that Watkins departs.
Watkins has been linked with both Newcastle United and Manchester United, but the two English outfits appear to be prioritising RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
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It is thought that Manchester United also considered Jackson before deciding to make Sesko their top striker target.
Jackson should be attainable this month following Chelsea’s decision to sign Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, which has pushed him down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Ollie Watkins #11 of Aston Villa takes a shot
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What the stats say about Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins
Watkins is a more seasoned centre-forward than Jackson, which is hardly a surprise. He is five years older than him and has played in the Premier League for much longer.
Last season, the England international scored six more league goals than the man who could replace him, though he did play more minutes. His xG difference is also very similar to Jackson’s.
Player League games Minutes Goals Assists xG xG difference
Nicolas Jackson 30 2,241 10 5 13.25 -3.25
Ollie Watkins 38 2,612 16 8 19 -3
Via Nicolas Jackson’s WhoScored and Ollie Watkins’ WhoScored pages
All in all, Jackson would not be an upgrade on Watkins for Villa. But he certainly has enough potential to get to his level one day, at least based on what he has shown in a Chelsea shirt.