Aston Villa could make a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson during the current transfer window, with the London club valuing the Senegal international at about £65m.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are prepared to part company with Jackson and are seeking a permanent transfer rather than a temporary arrangement. The proposed valuation places the forward among the club’s significant potential sales, although no agreement between Chelsea and Aston Villa has been reported.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery already knows Jackson from their time together at Villarreal. That previous working relationship could be an important factor if the Birmingham club decides to pursue the striker, with Jackson understood to be willing to consider the possibility of reuniting with his former manager.
Jackson’s openness to working with Emery again gives Aston Villa a potential advantage as the transfer speculation develops. The player has previously worked under the Spanish coach at Villarreal, and a return to that professional relationship is an option he is prepared to examine.
Chelsea, however, are understood to be focused on securing a full transfer for Jackson. Their current preference is not to send him out on loan, meaning any club wanting to sign the forward would need to consider a deal close to the £65m figure reported by The Telegraph.
Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring the situation. Atletico are also interested in Jackson, but the Madrid club’s preferred strategy is understood to be a loan move. That approach does not match Chelsea’s present position, as the Premier League club want to sell the player outright.
The difference between Chelsea’s preference and Atletico’s proposal could leave Aston Villa as a possible destination if Emery’s side are prepared to meet the asking price. The English club’s interest is strengthened by Emery’s previous experience of managing Jackson at Villarreal, while the striker is willing to consider a reunion.
For now, Chelsea’s valuation remains the central issue. The club are ready to discuss Jackson’s departure at around £65m, while Atletico would favour a loan and Aston Villa are identified as another possible suitor in the current window.
The transfer situation therefore rests on whether a permanent buyer emerges for the Senegalese forward. Chelsea want a sale, Atletico would prefer a temporary deal, and Aston Villa could offer Jackson the chance to work with Emery again.
