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Aston Villa look set for a busy end to the summer transfer window
Aston Villa are working on their final deals of the summer before the transfer window slams shut. With less than two weeks before Deadline Day, clubs are now operating double time in attempt to finalise their business for another year.
One of the main links to Villa right now is Marco Asensio. BirminghamWorld reported earlier this week that the Villans are closing in on a deal to bring the Spanish midfielder back to Villa Park, having had him on the books for a six-month loan deal last season.
Emery and co are eager to sign an attacking midfielder to replace Jacob Ramsey, but a new centre-forward is also of interest.
Aston Villa making ‘huge efforts’ to sign Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson is expected to leave Chelsea this summer and he isn’t short of suitors hoping to bring him in. Aston Villa are among the clubs keen on signing the Senegal international before the deadline, while Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are also in the frame.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have made ‘huge efforts’ in attempt to sign Jackson, as his situation at Chelsea is now entering ‘crucial hours’. The 24-year-old is no longer part of the Blues’ immediate plans and is edging closer to an exit before the window closes.
For GiveMeSport, the transfer expert wrote: “In the last 48 hours, Aston Villa have made huge efforts to sign Jackson with Unai Emery driving their interest.
“He was Nico’s coach at Villarreal and would love to reunite with Jackson in the Premier League, but no Champions League football could be a factor to consider with Jackson assessing all his options ahead of a final decision.”
Jackson was a regular starter for Chelsea last season, returning 13 goals and six assists in all competitions. However, following the club’s summer recruitment drive involving the likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Jackson has fallen significantly down the pecking order and is looking to re-establish himself as a starting centre-forward away from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea reportedly value Jackson in the region of £60 million and above, but The Telegraph reports that the price must come below that figure if they are to consider a deal.
The Nicolas Jackson domino effect
While Newcastle remain in the picture for Jackson’s signature, the outcome of their pursuit could once again change the narrative of the Alexander Isak saga.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Isak will not face Liverpool in Monday’s highly anticipated clash, following the player’s bombshell statement on social media. The striker posted on Instagram about ‘promises being broken and trust being lost’, stating the relationship between him and club ‘can’t continue’.
While Newcastle remain hopeful Isak will return to the team, they remain actively looking to sign a new centre-forward before the deadline. If Aston Villa beat them to the punch for Jackson, it will set the Magpies back once again, and could close the door entirely on an Isak exit.
Newcastle have already been snubbed of the chance to sign multiple attacking targets so far this window, including Hugo Ekitike and most recently Benjamin Sesko.
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