Nicolas Jackson’s agent is claimed to have shared a huge transfer hint amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Jackson is leaving Chelsea before the end of the transfer window, that much has become clear, but the striker’s next club is yet to be revealed. Both Villa and Newcastle have been heavily linked with the Senegal international in recent weeks as they seek to address a lack of depth up top, but interest is widespread with clubs all across Europe monitoring his situation.
There are now conflicting reports that the striker’s agent may have stirred the pot, revealing Jackson will be on the move imminently. Talks have been held with a host of interested teams and Jackson appears to have many options at his disposal. The 24-year-old, who has scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 games across all competitions for Chelsea, is reportedly being valued at £60 million.
Unai Emery worked with Jackson at Villarreal and the head coach is understood to be keen on bringing the centre-forward to Villa Park. The financial side of any potential deal is complicated, however, as Villa cannot spend freely and would need to first sign Jackson on loan, with an option or obligation to buy next summer.
Are the Nicolas Jackson agent quotes real or fake?
Speculation surrounding Jackson’s future has been rife but there could soon be a resolution as there has been a huge claim that his agent, Diomansy Kamara, has now ‘spoken out’ about his client’s options. Clubs in three different countries - including England - appear to be in the race and a final decision will be communicated in the next two days, if the report is to be believed.
French publication Foot Mercato claims a direct quote from Kamara in a recent post to X (formerly Twitter), however Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill says that it’s fake. Nonetheless, Foot Mercato’s official account has published what it declares is a real quote.
Kamara is purported to say: “Thirty goals in two seasons, without a single penalty. Highs, lows… but a page is turning at the Blues. Always grateful for yesterday, but already looking toward tomorrow, with optimism. Germany, Italy, England: the options are numerous, the decision is imminent. Thank you for the support, we see your messages… Nicolas Jackson, transfer expected within 48 hours, in shaa Allah.”
Despite maintaining a decent goalscoring output, Jackson hasn’t had the easiest time at Chelsea. The attacker racked up 12.34 expected goals (xG) in the Premier League last term but only scored on 10 occasions. Jackson’s lack of defensive contributions also stood out as, compared to fellow strikers, his 3.62 duels won and 1.93 recoveries per 90 minutes ranked him in the bottom 25 per cent.
Where is Nicolas Jackson going?
Regardless of whether the quote is real or fake, Jackson has several options, and among those could be Villa and Newcastle. Although Birmingham World understands that an immediate permanent move to Villa is not possible due to financial restrictions, a loan-to-buy agreement cannot be ruled out. Emery is very keen on the Senegalese, after all.
It’s worth noting that Bayern Munich have reportedly already agreed personal terms with Jackson, though. BILD reported on Monday that the German Bundesliga giants had reached a breakthrough with Jackson. Talks are said to be ongoing with Chelsea over the structure of the deal, also likelier to be a loan with an option or obligation to buy.
There’s been nothing concrete to suggest a move has been finalised with one particular club just yet, however, so there may yet be time for Villa, Newcastle and any other interested parties to hijack Bayern’s swoop. It could be well worth the effort as, although Jackson has become surplus to requirements at Chelsea, he has proven himself as a top striker.
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