Sources share Newcastle valuation as Aston Villa want to win Jackson transfer race
Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a move to Aston Villa amidst Ollie Watkins’ uncertain future.
With Watkins being linked with a move to Manchester United and multiple other clubs, Villa have been forced to look for alternative strikers if their talisman were to leave B6.
Jackson has been a name that has been linked with Unai Emery’s side, with the pair previously working together at Villarreal, before his move to Chelsea.
However, Newcastle could make things difficult.
Newcastle have shown interest in the Chelsea forward
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been linked with a move to Villa Park, where the free agent could provide Emery’s frontline with more depth.
Relying on the injury-prone striker alone would not be enough, however, if Watkins were to leave the Villans.
Whilst Villa have previously been warned that any offer put in for Jackson will immediately trigger a bid from Chelsea in response for Morgan Rogers, this may be a risk they are willing to take if Emery is insistent.
According to i News (28 July), Newcastle have already made preliminary contact about Jackson, but Chelsea are quoting teams an astronomical £80million.
Sources believe Newcastle’s valuation is closer to £65million for the 24-year-old.
Whilst Villa fans may not be fully convinced about the prospect of signing Jackson, given his poor form last season, losing out on a target to a direct rival in Newcastle would be a major blow.
| Nicolas Jackson | Premier League (2024/25 season) |
| Goals | 10 |
| Expected goals | 12.34 |
The Geordies’ need for a new striker is apparent, with Alexander Isak potentially set to join Liverpool, meaning both Villa and Newcastle could be in the market for strikers this summer.
Pressure on Villa to recruit well
Both Villa and Newcastle have done phenomenal jobs to compete for and achieve Champions League football in recent seasons.
Both clubs now find themselves in a similar position where they may need to replace their main marksmen in the window, and whoever recruits the best in that position may have the upper hand next season.
If Newcastle beat Villa to the signing of Jackson and he goes on to perform well, Emery will be furious that a player his side was linked with joined a club in a similar position to them and succeeded.
Whether Villa or Newcastle are prepared to meet Chelsea’s pricey demands for Jackson remains to be seen, but Monchi must be prepared to potentially look at other targets.
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