Sky Sports Reporter: Aston Villa Have Joined the Race to Sign Chelsea Forward | OneFootball

Aston Villa Eye Nicolas Jackson Amid Growing Transfer Interest

Aston Villa are exploring their attacking options with growing intent, and reports suggest they have turned their attention towards Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. According to respected journalist Florian Plettenberg, “Aston Villa have added Nicolas #Jackson to their shortlist and are closely monitoring his situation. Talks have already taken place. #AVFC.”

This development comes as Villa continue to build under Unai Emery, who has already demonstrated a clear strategy to strengthen key areas of the squad. The 24-year-old Senegalese striker, known for his versatility across the front line, is attracting attention across Europe, but the Midlands club are understood to be pushing with genuine interest.

Transfer Climate Around Jackson

Plettenberg revealed that “Several clubs are interested. FC Bayern have also gathered information, but a move to Munich is not happening.” That leaves Villa in an intriguing position, given that some of their Premier League rivals have also explored the possibility of signing Jackson.

Chelsea’s forward remains on the verge of an exit from Stamford Bridge after a challenging spell. Despite his potential and flashes of quality, consistency has been a sticking point, which perhaps explains why clubs are testing the waters for his availability. For Villa, this could present an opportunity to capitalise on a talented but unsettled player.

Villa’s Ambition Under Emery

Unai Emery has revitalised Aston Villa with tactical clarity and a focus on developing a squad that can compete both domestically and in Europe. Adding depth in attacking positions has become a priority, particularly with the demands of competing in multiple competitions.

Jackson’s profile ticks several boxes. At 24, he has time to develop further and his ability to play centrally or wider across the attack would add flexibility to Emery’s setup. With Villa already boasting the likes of Ollie Watkins, introducing another dynamic option could raise competition and ensure goalscoring duties are shared more evenly.

What This Means for Chelsea and Villa

Chelsea’s stance suggests an openness to parting ways with Jackson, provided a suitable offer materialises. For Aston Villa, this signals a chance to negotiate for a player who could thrive in a fresh environment. The Midlands side’s recruitment in recent windows has been calculated and largely successful, which indicates this move would not be pursued lightly.

As Plettenberg concluded, “The 24 y/o versatile striker is still on the verge of leaving #CFC. Aston Villa now there.” The tone of that statement underlines the seriousness of Villa’s approach.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Aston Villa supporters, the link with Nicolas Jackson will stir mixed emotions. On one hand, Jackson is a player with clear physical qualities, strong pace and movement that can trouble Premier League defences. At 24, he could still blossom under the right coaching setup, and Emery has proven he can refine raw talent into consistent performers.

However, there will also be concerns over his output at Chelsea. While he has had opportunities, his finishing has not always been decisive, and Villa fans may question whether he can deliver consistently in a side looking to challenge for Champions League football. The notion of signing another forward when Ollie Watkins continues to shine could also spark debate about balance and investment priorities.

That said, the fact Bayern Munich explored him, even briefly, shows there is genuine pedigree there. Villa’s project has become increasingly attractive, both financially and competitively, and a player like Jackson might thrive in a system designed to play to his strengths. If Villa can secure him at a reasonable fee, fans may well warm to the idea of giving a talented striker a fresh stage on which to prove himself.