The two factors that could yet see Nicolas Jackson join Aston Villa from Chelsea
Aston Villa are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, but they are not the only ones keen on a deal.
Chelsea have decided to part ways with Jackson after signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but he will command a high price.
Jackson spent two years at Chelsea, scoring 31 goals in 80 games, and is wanted by Bayern Munich and Newcastle in addition to Aston Villa.
With Aston Villa struggling to spend so far in this window, Jackson may have been deemed out of reach, but there is still a possibility he ends up at Villa Park this week.
Newcastle need to sell Alexander Isak to sign Nicolas Jackson
Newcastle are among the clubs interested in Jackson, but they need to resolve the future of wantaway striker Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe will only move for Jackson if Isak joins Liverpool, with the forward on strike as he attempts to force a transfer away.
While this move is currently at a stalemate, Villa can swoop in and beat Newcastle to Jackson, but if Isak departs in the coming days, then the Senegal star may be seen as a replacement.
Newcastle have also bid for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen, but he is seen as a replacement for Callum Wilson, and would be separate to Jackson replacing Isak.
Unai Emery can tempt Nicolas Jackson into Aston Villa move
If Jackson is faced with a choice between Aston Villa or Newcastle, then Unai Emery’s presence at Villa could sway his decision.
Emery handed Jackson his debut for Villarreal, after spotting him in the reserve teams and giving him an opportunity to shine in pre-season.
| Jackson | Emery | Setien |
| Appearances | 27 | 21 |
| Goals | 3 | 10 |
| Assists | 3 | 3 |
Jackson’s best form at Villarreal came after Emery joined Villa, but without the Villa manager, he may have never broken into the first team, and he may be eager to work with his former boss again.
This could also see him link up with former teammate Pau Torres, who joined Aston Villa in the same summer that Jackson joined Chelsea.
The Emery factor may therefore give Villa a lifeline in the race for Jackson, and he could prove to be a strong long-term signing as a striker who has already impressed in England and Europe.
Sign up for the Villa News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Aston Villa news sent straight to your phone.