Aston Villa are reportedly still in the race to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as the battle for his signature builds ahead of the transfer deadline.
The 24-year-old has bagged 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances since joining Chelsea in 2023, but speculation has been rife this summer that his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.
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In turn, Villa have been one of the clubs paired with an interest in signing the Senegalese international to seal a reunion with Unai Emery after their time working together at Villarreal, and although it was reported that Bayern Munich were perhaps in pole position to sign him, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg has claimed no agreement has been reached as of yet between the club and player.
Further, he explicitly adds that Villa remain in the mix, along with possible additional competition, and so it remains to be seen if there is still a chance that we can agree terms with Bayern and emerge as Jackson’s preferred option ahead of the deadline on September 1.
It could prove to be a crucial addition to the Villa squad to give Emery an attacking reinforcement, as we’ve failed to score in our opening two Premier League games of the season and it’s been clear that we’re struggling in the final third for creativity, a goal threat and a cutting edge.
Naturally, there will be conflicting opinions on whether or not Jackson is the ideal solution, particularly given the question marks over his temperament at times as well as his lack of a clinical touch in front of goal for Chelsea, but if he’s a priority transfer target who Emery feels he can significantly improve us and give us different tactical solutions, it’s hoped that we can get a deal done and fend off Bayern to land his signature.
That said, if a move doesn’t materialise, Villa must be ready to move on alternative options, as we’ve seen Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey leave the club this month, and we’re desperately in need of an injection of pace, width and technical quality in attacking areas to add a fresh dynamic to our play.
With just days remaining now before the transfer deadline, we may not have to wait too long for answers.
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