Aston Villa to seal ‘perfect Nicolas Jackson transfer’ for Emery after Sky Sports reveal
Aston Villa may have identified their future replacement for Ollie Watkins.
Watkins seemingly has an uncertain future at Villa Park this summer, with Manchester United interested in Unai Emery’s talisman.
Whilst keeping Watkins in B6 will be the priority, naturally, Villa must prepare for the worst and identify targets who they think would be suitable replacements for the England international.
Among those players on Emery’s shortlist is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, whom he has previously worked with at Villarreal.
Jackson emerges as striker target for Villa
Along with Jackson, Jack Grealish has been rumoured to be wanted at Villa ever since the window opened, but a former player has warned his old club against the move.
Jackson, 24, is another player Villa have to approach with caution, given the poor form he displayed last season.
| Nicolas Jackson | Premier League stats (2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 30 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Expected goals | 12.34 |
Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth on X (15 July), Villa are among several clubs monitoring Jackson’s current situation in London.
Emery is said to be a long-term admirer of the striker he handed his debut to at Villarreal, whilst Manchester United and AC Milan are also said to be interested.
The Red Devils’ current priority, however, is securing the signing of Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford and getting rid of their dead wood, whilst AC Milan are keen, but there is a gap in their valuation and the £60.5million price tag Chelsea have slapped on Jackson.
Seemingly, Villa could be in pole position to land Jackson if they ramp up their interest swiftly.
Higher quality Watkins replacement needed
Whilst Watkins has developed into one of the best strikers in the Premier League at Villa, a massive offer for a player who turns 30 in December could be too good a proposition to turn down.
Although this strategy is risky, it has massive upsides financially.
The key is securing a younger Watkins alternative who can thrive at Villa, and on paper, Jackson does not seem to be the type of player Emery’s side should be pursuing.
Alongside his wasteful finishing, Jackson has a terrible disciplinary record, being dismissed twice since May.
If Villa want to get back in the Champions League, they will need a striker who is a significant step up from Jackson.
With direct rivals Newcastle United continuing to strengthen well in the window, Villa cannot afford to make any major blunders when it comes to their recruitment this summer.
Emery may think it’s the perfect signing given their past, but things have changed.
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