Aston Villa are making progress in their attempts to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, with the Senegal international reportedly willing to make the move to Birmingham.
Negotiations between the two clubs are continuing, although an agreement has yet to be reached. Jackson is said to have given his approval to joining Villa, while manager Unai Emery is keen to bring the striker back under his management after working with him at Villarreal.
The remaining details of a potential transfer still have to be settled by Chelsea and Villa.
Emery’s interest in Jackson is rooted in their previous relationship in Spain, where the manager played an important role in the forward’s development. Jackson joined Villarreal from Casa Sports in 2019 and gradually established himself within the team.
His most productive period at the club came during the 2022-23 season. Under Emery, and later his successor, Jackson scored 12 La Liga goals and supplied four assists.
That campaign helped demonstrate the qualities that have continued to attract interest in the striker, particularly his pace, power and ability to attack defensive spaces.
Chelsea subsequently moved to sign Jackson in the summer of 2023, giving him the opportunity to continue his development in the Premier League.
The forward made a strong impression during his first season at Stamford Bridge. He became an important part of Chelsea’s attacking options and finished the campaign with 17 goals in all competitions.
Fourteen of those goals came in the Premier League, highlighting his ability to contribute consistently in front of goal during his first season in English football.
Jackson also enjoyed productive spells in the campaign that followed. However, his performances were not always consistent, despite his ability to make dangerous runs behind defenders and use his speed to take advantage of available space.
His spell at Bayern Munich was considerably shorter and less prominent. The move nevertheless gave Jackson an opportunity to experience another footballing environment in Europe before considering the next stage of his career.
A transfer to Aston Villa could now provide the 25-year-old with another opportunity to establish himself.
Villa are seeking to strengthen their attacking options and are considering a number of possibilities. One potential arrangement for Jackson could involve a loan move that includes an obligation to buy if specific conditions are met.
The club are also looking at other attacking targets, with Jonathan David among the alternatives being considered.
For Chelsea, Jackson’s possible departure could coincide with further changes to their attacking department. The striker retains considerable value, although competition for places in the London club’s forward line could influence his future.
Transfer specialist Nicolò Schira reported that discussions between Villa and Chelsea are moving forward and that Jackson has indicated his availability for the move.
Schira said: “🚨Excl. – Talks are progressing well for Nicolas #Jackson to #AstonVilla from #Chelsea. The striker has already given his availability to join #AVFC. Unai #Emery loves him and pushing to re-have him after the positive experience together at Villarreal. #transfers #CFC”
For Jackson, a reunion with Emery could represent an important opportunity to revive the momentum of his career.
Emery is familiar with the forward’s strengths from their time together at Villarreal and knows how to utilise his pace and movement when attacking the area behind opposing defences.
That familiarity could prove valuable should Villa and Chelsea complete an agreement.
Villa’s immediate task is to finalise the terms of the proposed transfer with Chelsea. Jackson’s willingness to join has reportedly removed one potential obstacle, but the two clubs must still reach a deal.
If they do, Jackson would return to working with Emery, the manager under whom he produced some of his most impressive performances, while Villa would strengthen their attacking options with a forward whose pace and ability to exploit space remain among his most notable qualities.
