Aston Villa have been given a welcome boost in their pursuit of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. Chelsea’s Senegalese striker is already on the periphery at the Stamford Bridge club, and this twist could pave the way for a transfer that suits both club and player.
Nicolas Jackson Chelsea Journey:
Nicolas Jackson moved to Chelsea from Villarreal in June 2023 and was a regular starter right. Over the last two seasons, he has featured in 81 games across all competitions and scored 30 goals. Jackson has intermittently provided evidence of quality. His goals tally has been as much good as bad. His 30 goals are good, but his expected goals (xG) return over the same period is 36.6. That suggests that he has not always been as clinical as the club wished him to be.
Jackson was at the top of the Premier League in the previous season with 10 goals. That made him one among only two Chelsea players to attain a minimum of 10 in all the league. Besides him, there was Palmer who scored 13.
What’s Going on with Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea?
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has recently stated that Jackson is no longer on his first-team plans. Although Jackson is available, he was left out of the team for recent games, marking that he’s not included in the strategy of the coach. With prospects such as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro now in line ahead of him, Jackson’s chances are even narrower. Chelsea ultimately aims to sell, rather than just loan him out.
Villa’s Growing Interest
Aston Villa have taken heed. Their boss Unai Emery—who is familiar with Jackson from their Villarreal days—is desperate to bring him to Villa Park. Jackson has faith in Emery, and that may provide Villa with the upper hand as the window reaches its terminal point.
Villa have contacted Chelsea. They are trying to find out how to complete the deal. Currently, they’re open to ideas. Perhaps a loan or an inventive payment plan, as Jackson’s valuation is in excess of £60 million.
Chelsea’s Asking Price and Villa’s Challenge
The Blues’ original asking price was in excess of £60 million, a price tag most clubs cannot afford. Although this puts pressure on Villa, they have not been entirely priced out. Villa are said to be optimistic they can get it done. Emery’s relationship with Jackson and Villa’s increasing desperation in the market may just be the deciding factor.
How Villa’s Squad Needs Support
The timing couldn’t be more apt. Villa have had problems scoring recently, and there has been urgent counsel from experts to reinforce with a striker—Jackson, for one, has been slated as a cure for their anemic strike.
At the same time, Chelsea are seriously shopping Jackson to other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle and Arsenal. But despite there being competition elsewhere, Villa feels that they are still in a good position—particularly due to Emery’s relationship with the player.
The Bigger Transfer Domino Effect
Jackson’s transfer could instigate a wider shuffle of moves. If Villa manage to sign him, that could force Villa’s current top striker Ollie Watkins out and create space for Newcastle to pounce. That would enable Liverpool to increase their interest in Alexander Isak. In other words: one transfer could change several directions across the league.
🚨🔵 Nico Jackson will be one of next big players to move in strikers domino.
Same as Nkunku, Chelsea and Jackson are set to part ways this summer; plan clear since July on both club and player side.
Newcastle, Spurs (if Richarlison leaves) and Italian clubs have made contact. pic.twitter.com/DXCSwDapXA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025
Author’s Insight: Why This Boost Matters
Aston Villa’s fresh hope of signing Jackson arrives at just the right time. Their attack struggling, they’re looking for a quick, dynamic forward to impact the team in a hurry. The Chelsea striker is comfortable with Emery’s tactics and is in need of more playing time. While finance is an issue, the shared interest, timing, and good personal relationships could all go in favor of making this one of the summer’s most compelling transfer dramas.
—