Enzo Maresca still has several players to offload this summerplaceholder image
Enzo Maresca still has several players to offload this summer | Getty Images
Aston Villa have held talks about signing one of Chelsea's wantaway starts this summer
Aston Villa are the latest club to express an interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson with the player ‘on the verge’ of leaving Stamford Bridge.
The arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro means that Jackson is surplus to requirements at the club. He has been linked with Newcastle United but that potential deal appears to have gone quiet as the Magpies focus on a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Bayern Munich have also asked Chelsea about conditions of a possible deal for Jackson but nothing has advanced on that front. Now Aston Villa have been linked as they look to bolster their forward options with the 2025-26 season underway.
Unai Emery’s side failed to score in their opening game of the Premier League campaign as they drew 0-0 with Newcastle United - although they did play the final 24 minutes of the game with 10 men. They did manage just three shots at goal during the game.
Aston Villa have already held talks with Nicolas Jackson
“Several clubs are interested. FC Bayern have also gathered information, but a move to Munich is not happening. The 24 y/o versatile striker is still on the verge of leaving CFC. Aston Villa now there.”
Jackson was left out of the squad for Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday. Asked ahead of the clash about Jackson’s future, Maresca said: "You know the situation already. The window is open, he can leave, and we [will] see."
The former Villareal forward has scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 games for Chelsea but the arrivals of Delap and Pedro have spelled the end of his time at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca dodges question about cutting edge
The Blues had 19 shots against the Eagles but just three of those were on target. Asked how important it was for his team to find cutting edge sooner rather than later, Maresca said: “I said many times that I don't think about June or May, the title, or when the season will finish. I always try to speak or try to think about the next one, the next game. So for me, it's about Friday's game, no more than that.”
Chelsea make the trip to West Ham on Friday night as they look to get the first win of the season under their belts. The Hammers started their campaign in disastrous fashion as they lost 3-0 at newly-promoted Sunderland.
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