Report: Club prepared to sell one of their top players in order to sign Chelsea ace | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants to be reunited with Nicolas Jackson and is prepared to sell Ollie Watkins in order to do it according to reports.

Emery handed Jackson his breakthrough at Spanish side Villarreal and the Senegal international has always credited the Spaniard for playing a key role in his career.

Jackson swapped Villarreal for Chelsea in a deal worth £32m in the summer of 2023, and has scored 24 Premier League goals in his two seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Unai Emery wants Nicolas Jackson reunion

Jackson has seen his future questioned following the arrivals of both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer, with the Brazilian in particular making an instant impact.

The Senegalese is attracting interest from both clubs in Europe and the Premier League, with Chelsea said to value Jackson at £80-£100m.

Aston Villa are among the clubs interested in Jackson. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Juventus like Jackson, whilst Premier League trio Newcastle, Manchester United and Aston Villa have all been credited with interest in the 24-year-old.

No official offers have been made for Jackson yet, but The Mirror have reported Emery wants to be reunited with the striker and is prepared to sell Watkins in order to do it.

The report adds Jackson is Emery’s first choice target, and they are hoping Chelsea reduce their asking price in order for a deal to become more viable.

Jackson reportedly wants to stay and fight for his place, whilst it’s believed the expectation is he will be a Chelsea player come the end of the window.

Chelsea want to sign Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho

Whilst there are doubts over Jackson’s future, Chelsea are looking to sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho before the end of the window.

More Stories / Latest News

Report: Club prepared to sell one of their top players in order to sign Chelsea ace

3rd Aug 2025, 01:00pm

Top insider reveals Maresca’s plan for Nicolas Jackson next season despite uncertain future

3rd Aug 2025, 12:30pm

Matt Law gives opinion on what “any Garnacho deal” to Chelsea could look like

3rd Aug 2025, 12:00pm

The Simons deal is currently closest, with Chelsea said to be in advanced negotiations for the 22-year-old, whilst Leipzig are said to want a total package of £60m.

A move for Garnacho isn’t expected until later in the window, but the winger has given his priority to a Stamford Bridge switch, although it’s thought Chelsea don’t want to pay more than £30m for the 21-year-old.