The £55m forward who could reinvigorate Aston Villa’s struggling attackplaceholder image
The £55m forward who could reinvigorate Aston Villa’s struggling attack | Getty Images
Aston Villa’s Premier League rivals are looking to offload this player before the transfer deadline.
Aston Villa have had a more quiet approach to the transfer window compared to some of their Premier League rivals. The recent arrival of Evann Guessand marked the first marquee Villans signing of the summer as they agreed a total £30 million package with Nice.
As we enter the final weeks of the window, Villa are assessing their options on the transfer market. The West Midlands side are just one of multiple clubs currently linked with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who is looking for a new challenge away from Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson offered to Aston Villa
According to talkSPORT, Jackson has been ‘offered’ to the likes of Villa and Newcastle United as his time with the Blues looks to be coming to a close. The 24-year-old is ‘keen’ on leaving the club this summer amid the chance his playing time could be seriously reduced next season.
Chelsea have signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro so far this summer, adding to their growing number of attackers. With his role now in question, Jackson is looking for assurance he will be a first choice option next season, which is something the Blues cannot guarantee.
Despite Jackson looking to leave and Chelsea being open to a sale, they have reportedly valued the Senegal international at a hefty £80 million. However, the club may be forced to lower their expectations, especially with the transfer window approaching its deadline.
Jackson made 30 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season and notched 10 goals as they finished fourth in the table.
Unai Emery praises Nicolas Jackson
Amid the connection between Aston Villa and Jackson, Unai Emery has the chance to be reunited with his former player, if the club do opt to submit an offer.
The two know each other well from their time at Villarreal together, where Emery gave Jackson his first team debut back in 2021. The striker recently penned a new nine-year contract with the Blues and took the time to thank Emery and during his tenure in Spain.
The Villa boss also had praise for Jackson. Emery spoke with Sky Sports last December at the club’s training ground and reflected on the player’s rise into the senior team.
“He was starting the pre-season with the U21s and when he was progressively coming to train with us, he was showing his potential,” Emery recalled.
“We worked during the one year on his skill, he improved his understanding better, how he could exploit his potential. And playing minutes and getting experiences was the next step.
“But his attitude as well was fantastic. He was always learning. He was always demanding to train more, to be focused. He was also being a professional every day out of training sessions at home because he was focused on football like the first priority in his life.”
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