Aston Villa are ready to part company with Ollie Watkins this summer if they bring in Nicolas Jackson to replace him, TBR Football understands.
Jackson is set to leave Chelsea this summer, having made it clear he wants to move, although he is expected to remain in the Premier League.
Both Aston Villa and Newcastle United have shown a strong interest in signing the Senegalese striker and are seen as the most likely destinations.
But the former’s interest in the 24-year-old could help unlock Alexander Isak, as Watkins is a prime target for the Tyneside club.
Nicolas Jackson #15 of Chelsea FC sits for a portrait following their win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Carmen Mandato – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Exclusive: Unai Emery is a big fan of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson
TBR Football understands that Unai Emery has delivered a glowing endorsement of Nicolas Jackson, having worked with him at Villarreal and the club’s footballing chief, Monchi, is working on the deal.
The Chelsea striker spent two seasons playing under Emery in Spain and the Villa boss was the man who brought him into the first team.
Jackson, who joined Chelsea for £30m in 2023, managed three goals and three assists in 27 appearances, but he was only young at the time and still developing his trade as a striker.
Apps Goals Assists
Jackson under Emery 27 3 3
Nicolas Jackson’s record under Unai Emery (Transfermarkt)
Speaking about Jackson back in December 2024, Emery told Sky Sports: “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 experience were 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 as the first priority in his life.”
Together with Villa, Newcastle have shown a strong interest, but the Magpies are also an option for Watkins, with Eddie Howe also a confirmed admirer.
Exclusive: Ollie Watkins could still replace Alexander Isak at Newcastle
Ollie Watkins could yet be the player Newcastle United turns to replace Alexander Isak, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.
The England international is one of the names high on their list should Isak make his move to Liverpool. Now that the 28-year-old could be available, this could be good news for the Swede’s future.
Newcastle’s search for new strikers has not been going according to plan this summer, and their chase for Yoane Wissa has also stalled due to Brentford’s demands.
The Toon lost Callum Wilson earlier this summer, which means they are after two strikers, and Wissa is seen as a replacement for the now-West Ham attacker.
As TBR Football have previously revealed, Newcastle are also continuing checks on Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.