Nicolas Jackson. (Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes)
Aston Villa kicked off their Premier League campaign over the weekend with a hard-fought draw against Newcastle United at Villa Park.
The Villans have had a relatively quiet summer in the transfer window, signing just three new additions so far, including goalkeeper Marco Bizot, who made his debut against the Magpies on Saturday.
Reports have suggested the club is treading close to Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) restrictions, meaning the focus has been more on offloading surplus players than bringing in reinforcements.
Academy graduate Jacob Ramsey is the latest Villa star to depart, completing a £39m move to St James’ Park, leaving Unai Emery with limited attacking options for the season ahead.
Villa will be eager not only to challenge for European qualification again in the Premier League but also to build on last season’s impressive Champions League run by competing strongly in the Europa League.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Aston Villa have held talks to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
Writing on social media platform X, Plettenberg revealed:
“Aston Villa have added Nicolas #Jackson to their shortlist and are closely monitoring his situation. Talks have already taken place. #AVFC”
“Several clubs are interested. FC Bayern have also gathered information, but a move to Munich is not happening.”
“The 24 y/o versatile striker is still on the verge of leaving #CFC. Aston Villa now there.”
How much will Nicolas Jackson cost?
There is no doubt that Villa need attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes in a fortnight.
While Ollie Watkins is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most reliable strikers, it is vital to provide him with support and reduce the reliance on him as the sole source of goals.
Against Newcastle, Villa managed just three shots compared to their opponents’ 16, underlining the need for a versatile forward who can improve chance conversion.
Emery knows Jackson well, having managed him at Villarreal before his move to Chelsea in 2023.
Under Enzo Maresca, the Senegalese forward is now competing with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro for minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Across 65 Premier League appearances, Jackson – once described as “unbelievable” by former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch – has scored 24 goals and registered ten assists so far.
Strong in the air with outstanding dribbling skills, Jackson can operate across the front three.
This versatility could see him form a partnership with Watkins, rather than being a direct competitor for the centre-forward role.
Chelsea were initially seeking £80m for Jackson this summer, though that valuation has reportedly dropped to £60m in recent weeks.
Whether Villa can commit to such an investment remains uncertain given their ongoing financial concerns.
If they can, however, they would be acquiring a Premier League-proven forward already familiar with Emery’s methods, a signing that could significantly elevate their attacking threat with the right guidance.
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