‘Jackson to start with Watkins’ as Aston Villa ready £60m+ transfer – Exclusive
Aston Villa have emerged as a potential suitor for Nicolas Jackson in recent days.
The Chelsea frontman has notched double figures in league goals in each of his two campaigns at Stamford Bridge, but he could be set to move away this summer.
Villa are one of the clubs that have shown an interest in Jackson, and they have already lodged an enquiry to Chelsea as they continue to explore his availability.
Unai Emery handed the Senegal international his debut at Villarreal back in 2021, and the pair could be about to be reunited.
Jackson would be a key player for Villa
Ollie Watkins’ Villa future has come under speculation this summer, with the likes of Manchester United showing an interest in one of Emery’s star men.
The former Brentford man has been at Villa Park for five seasons now, but Jackson’s potential arrival has only served to provide further fuel to the suggestions that he may have played his final game in claret and blue.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that Jackson could fill the gap left by Marcus Rashford at Villa, rather than push Watkins out.
“Villa are a striker short now that they no longer have Rashford,” King said.
“Emery knows Jackson, and he’s someone who has been drifting in and out of the Chelsea side.
“He may have been told that his opportunities are going to be limited and he’ll be in and out of the side again. However, Villa would maybe be prepared to put Jackson up front with Watkins.”
Villa should steer clear of Jackson
Villa have been quoted a hefty price tag of £60.5million to sign Jackson this summer. As a result, for that level of money, their decision should be a no-brainer.
The striker has been plagued by inconsistency during his time in England, and for that kind of outlay, Emery and Co. would want so much more than a player who dips in and out of form.
Finances are tight in B6 this summer, and spending such a hefty sum on a player of Jackson’s quality would simply not be prudent business from the Villans.
They may have an interest in the Chelsea man, but they should back away from any potential deal, unless they can negotiate a significant reduction in the price.
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