Emery could get second crack at Jackson reunion after what happened in 2023
Aston Villa are yet to spend heavily in this transfer window, but could end up splashing big money on a new striker.
Ollie Watkins’ future is unclear, as the attacker could find himself in a transfer domino with Newcastle and Manchester United both pursuing a new centre-forward.
Aston Villa could part ways with Watkins after he fell out of favour with Unai Emery midway through last season, and Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson could replace him.
Emery wanted to sign Jackson in the past, and he may now have the perfect opportunity to reunite with the striker.
Villa interested in Jackson as Watkins replacement
Watkins could end up leaving for a huge fee this summer, but with Marcus Rashford and Jhon Duran also no longer at the club, he would need replacing.
Jackson may also be allowed to leave Chelsea, after the Blues signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap as centre-forwards this summer.
| Jackson | Emery | Setien |
| Appearances | 27 | 21 |
| Goals | 3 | 10 |
| Assists | 3 | 3 |
GIVEMESPORT (August 2) have now reported that Emery is still interested in Jackson, with Villa previously linked with the attacker, and an exit for Watkins could see them pursue the 23-year-old as his replacement.
- Jackson first broke into the Villarreal team under Emery in 2022.
- Emery’s departure nearly led to his exit from the Spanish side, but he stayed to play under Quique Setien for a few months.
- The striker exploded in front of goal under Setien, and the best form of his career came under the former Barcelona coach.
Emery gave Jackson his breakthrough at Villarreal, and even tried to bring him to Villa before he joined Chelsea in 2023, but could now finally get his wish.
Emery wanted Jackson when he first moved to Villa
Emery moved to Villa Park in November 2022, departing Villarreal mid-season to return to the Premier League.
Jackson had only just broken into the side at Villarreal, and his first few months saw him struggle for goals.
The striker did impress though, and he was the subject of interest from Bournemouth before he failed a medical, and this injury at the time also prevented him from joining Villa in that January transfer window.
“When Unai left, he wanted me to go to Aston Villa, but I was injured,” Jackson told Tribuna in December 2024.
“I wanted to leave because the coach came in. I had to go, but I was injured a little bit in my hamstring. We went there, they checked and said I needed one more month and they want me now.”
“If they want me in one week, two weeks, I was not ready, so they had to cancel the transfer, and I went back.”
Jackson has earned mixed reviews at Chelsea, as despite recording a respectable goal record, his tendency to miss big chances has caused frustration.
The Senegal international would be a strong replacement for Watkins, as a striker who can also bring others into play, while offering speed and an outlet in behind, with two years of Premier League experience under his belt.
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