Eddy
Aston Villa are in talks to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, according to reports.
Villa are keen to bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options before the transfer deadline after Marcus Rashford rejected the chance to join the club permanently.
Emery was hopeful of convincing Rashford to sign a permanent deal with the club following his recent loan spell but the Manchester United outcast instead joined Barcelona on another loan.
Marco Asensio, who also enjoyed an encouraging loan spell at Villa Park last season, has returned to PSG, while there is speculation Ollie Watkins could be sold before the transfer window closes.
Keen to bring a forward or two to the club, Aston Villa have added Jackson to their shortlist of targets and have already held talks with Chelsea over a deal, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
Your ultimate guide to the football season
Metro’s new weekly football newsletter: In The Mixer. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every Friday – sign up, it’s an open goal.
Villa are now considering making an official bid for a player Chelsea are open to selling following the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Jackson enjoyed an encouraging first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 17 goals in all competitions following his £32m move from Villarreal.
Manchester City FC v Chelsea FC – Premier League
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson (Picture: Getty)
However, the 24-year-old went backwards last season and ended the campaign with two reds cards in six games.
Speaking during pre-season, Jackson dismissed concerns over his future following the arrival of attacking talent Pedro and Delap.
But recent reports say Jackson is now pushing to leave Stamford Bridge, aware his first-team prospects will be bleak unless he finds a new club.
Jackson was left out of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squad for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Aston Villa FC v Club Brugge KV – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg
Aston Villa are without Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford this season (Picture: Getty)
Despite this, Chelsea are not believed to be desperate to sell Jackson and believe he can contribute this season if he does end up staying put.
However, Chelsea are open to offers as they know player sales will boost their chances of landing transfer targets Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.
The Club World Cup champions were believed to value Jackson at a staggering £80m earlier in the summer but have already dropped their asking price to around £65m.
Newcastle United have expressed interest in signing Jackson as they plan for Alexander Isak’s potential departure from St James’ Park.
admin
