Aston Villa Eyeing Move to Sign 14-Goal Chelsea Forward – Report | OneFootball

Aston Villa Eyeing Ambitious Move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson

Aston Villa are exploring a bold summer transfer that could reshape their frontline for the 2025-26 season. According to Football Insider, Unai Emery has made an early move to assess the availability of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with a view to a potential reunion at Villa Park.

With Jhon Duran having departed for Al-Nassr in January and question marks lingering over Ollie Watkins’ long-term future, Villa are firmly in the market for attacking reinforcements. Jackson, who Emery previously managed at Villarreal, appears to be top of the wishlist.

Emery’s Plan to Bolster Villa’s Attack

Unai Emery is understood to be a long-term admirer of Jackson. Having already worked with him in Spain, the Spaniard believes he could bring out the best in the Senegal international once again. As Football Insider stated, “Emery is a big fan, and he sees him as an excellent option to be added to his squad for the 2025-26 season and beyond.”

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Jackson endured a mixed first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 14 goals across all competitions but struggling with consistency in front of goal. While he netted 30 goals across the past two seasons for club and country, he often found himself under intense scrutiny from both fans and pundits.

Chelsea’s recent acquisition of Liam Delap and their expected signing of Joao Pedro signals a shift in their forward line strategy. With depth in attacking positions, Chelsea are open to letting Jackson go “if an acceptable offer arrives during the transfer window,” according to Football Insider.

Familiarity and Trust Could Drive Jackson’s Decision

What makes this move particularly intriguing is the existing bond between player and manager. Jackson thrived under Emery’s tutelage at Villarreal, and their mutual understanding could be vital if a deal materialises.

Villa are building something special under Emery, who guided them to Champions League qualification last season. Jackson’s skill set aligns with the pace, dynamism and press-heavy system that Emery has successfully implemented. A move to the Midlands may allow the 23-year-old striker to play with more freedom and less pressure.

As Football Insider pointed out, “Jackson has sometimes struggled with the weight of expectation at Chelsea, so a move where he would not be under the spotlight as much would be ideal for his career progression.”

Strategic Fit for Champions League Ambitions

Aston Villa’s summer strategy appears clear: strengthen the squad with players who can immediately contribute but also develop further under Emery. Jackson fits that profile perfectly. His raw attributes are unquestionable, and in the right environment, he could flourish into a top-level striker.

With Champions League football now on the horizon, Villa are looking to deepen their squad. If they can get Jackson firing again, it would be a statement of intent. The financials of the deal remain unknown, but Chelsea’s willingness to listen to offers provides encouragement.

If Villa are to close the gap on the Premier League’s elite, smart, ambitious moves like this one will be crucial.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Villa fan’s perspective, this news is pure excitement. Bringing in someone like Nicolas Jackson, who’s already worked under Emery, feels like a masterstroke. We saw what the boss did with the likes of Pau Torres and Alex Moreno after they linked back up with him. Why can’t Jackson be next?

The fact that Chelsea are looking to offload him could mean we’re getting a top talent for a reasonable fee. He’s only 23, quick, physical and has a nose for goal when he’s confident. At Villa, with less pressure and Emery’s backing, he might rediscover the form that earned him the Chelsea move in the first place.

Watkins may stay, or he may not. But imagine having Jackson in the squad too. We’re not just talking squad depth anymore, we’re talking real competition in attack for the Champions League nights ahead. This is the level we want to be shopping at.

Villa mean business, and this move proves it. Reuniting Emery and Jackson could be a perfect blend of strategy, timing and ambition.