Newcastle United are linked with a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, but face competition from Aston Villa this summer.
After failing to find the back of the net in their Premier League opener, it is clear that the Magpies need to find a new forward to lead the line while Alexander Isak remains away from the first team squad.
Newcastle United are in talks over a move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but the Bees are standing firm on their reluctance to sell and heavy asking price. Reports have suggested that Brentford are looking for as much as £60million for Wissa, a fee that PIF simply will not agree to.
Their current stance means that Eddie Howe’s recruitment team could be made to look elsewhere for a striker before the transfer window closes. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is a name that has been linked to Newcastle, but no formal approach has been made for the 24-year-old.
Jackson has informed Chelsea of his desire to leave and is open to joining Newcastle. However, Aston Villa have held talks for Jackson this summer as they look to find a successor to Ollie Watkins.
With the Villans looking to steal a march on the Magpies, journalist Florian Plettenberg has provided an update on Jackson and Villa.
Nicolas Jackson comes off the pitch after being sent off in a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Chelsea.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Aston Villa cannot sign Nicolas Jackson due to PSR issues
On Sunday, Newcastle announced the signing of Jacob Ramsey from Villa for £43m, including add-ons. The deal may not have been possible without Villa’s PSR problems, which have now seen them forced to sell a top academy graduate just like Newcastle did with Elliot Anderson in 2024.
Even with the issues, Villa do not appear keen on stopping their work to bring in new faces this summer. Jackson ideally wants to stay in the Premier League, and he appears spoilt for choice with Newcastle and Villa hoping for his signature.
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However, any hope of a permanent transfer to the Midlands appears to be a struggle this summer, as Villa’s PSR troubles appear just too much to get the deal done.
According to Plettenberg, Villa cannot pay a transfer fee of over €60m (£51.9m) for Jackson. The Sky Sports reporter adds that a loan deal would be a better option for them this summer.
It is understood that Chelsea could ask for up to £80m for Jackson, so they appear way off the mark.
The reason why they are so keen on his signature is that head coach Unai Emery is a big admirer of Jackson and is keen to bring in the Senegal international.
🚨🟣🔵 More on Nicolas #Jackson and Aston Villa: also due to FFP reasons, it’s currently not possible for Villa to pay a transfer fee of over €60 million for the Jackson package.
If anything, it would have to be a loan deal. What’s clear – and why #AVFC are keeping a close eye… pic.twitter.com/2iFEIGMCjc
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 19, 2025
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Newcastle United may be left with no choice but to sign Nicolas Jackson
Statistics show that Jackson was nowhere near Isak’s level last season, but the forwards’ build and technical ability could be on par with the Sweden internationals if he gets the chance to work with Howe.
Like Villa, Newcastle could end up signing Jackson on loan, as there is no word on exactly how much money they have left in the transfer kitty.
While he is on the shortlist, it has been said that Newcastle have their doubts over Jackson due to his form over the last two seasons with Chelsea.
2024/25 Premier League statistics Nicolas Jackson
Apperances 30
Minutes 2,240
Goals 10
Assists 5
Despite that, the player has been able to drum up a positive, albeit inconsistent, partnership with Cole Palmer.
If Jackson comes to Newcastle, he would surely work well with one of Anthony Gordon or Anthony Elanga to form a devastating partnership in attack.