· 22 August 2025, 20:00
**As the transfer window ticks down towards the 7 pm deadline on 1st September, it's becoming increasingly clear that Nicolas Jackson's future lies away from Chelsea.**
Jackson has been persistently linked with Newcastle United this summer as the Magpies look for a striker to replace Alexander Isak, as the want-away striker pushes for a move to Liverpool.
The Chelsea striker's inclusion on Newcastle's short list had divided the fanbase, with some seeing it as a good move and others not so keen.
We've historically been in the latter camp after seeing him miss so many gilt-edged chances for the Blues, but after looking more into him and his style of play, we think that with a bit of TLC from Eddie Howe, the 24-year-old could develop into a top striker at the Toon.
> [](https://twitter.com/gamdomsport/status/1958878919848788256)
Fabrizio Romano says Nicolas Jackson is 'one to watch' over the weekend
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aston Villa have suddenly emerged as frontrunners for the striker's signature with Unai Emery having worked with Jackson at Villarreal, and if we're being honest, Emery's eye in the transfer market is on par with Eddie Howe's, so if both are keen, then he must have something going for him.
Fabrizio Romano has posted a video on X which suggests that there could be some movement on Jackson in the coming days, with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Bayern Munich all keen. Romano said Jackson's situation is 'one to watch' over the weekend.
Now that it looks like a departure is inevitable, with Jackson having been left out of Chelsea's squad for tonight's game against West Ham, the Blues are set to drastically lower their initial £80 million asking price to something believed to be lower than £60 million.
We aren't expecting Nicolas Jackson to be a Newcastle player this season
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously, Jackson is a long way off Alexander Isak's level, so if Newcastle do win the race for him over the next week, we shouldn't expect an instant impact, but we're certain he can grow into the role as the season goes on.
We hope that we don't give up on the second striker either. There's talk of only bringing in one forward in the time left in the window, but that's to replace Callum Wilson. If Newcastle can replace Wilson and get a young, hot-shot striker in too, it could open the door for the Isak departure.
Our gut feeling, though, is that if Jackson goes anywhere, he'll reunite with Unai Emery at Aston Villa, although that will be a very difficult deal to do given Villa's financial restrictions.