Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa? Unai Emery Steps Up Pursuit of Chelsea Forward

Aston Villa are on the verge of tabling an offer for sought-after Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after identifying the experienced Senegal international as one of Unai Emery's top attacking targets this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Villa are understood to be weighing up the conditions of a deal for the experienced Senegal international striker, who has been capped 37 times by his country. 

Although Jackson is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033, Emery remains a long-term admirer of the 25-year-old after helping launch his career during their time together at Villarreal.

Jackson's future at Chelsea has been the subject of speculation for much of the past 12 months, with the striker regularly linked with a string of high-profile moves across Europe. 

Villa are now hoping to capitalise on that uncertainty as Emery steps up his pursuit of the Senegal international.

FIREPOWER

Villa boss Emery is determined to add more firepower to his squad ahead of another season competing on multiple fronts and believes Jackson has all the attributes to become a major success at Villa Park.

The pair enjoyed a productive spell together in Spain before Jackson secured his move to Chelsea in a deal worth around £32 million in 2023. 

Emery has continued to monitor the striker's progress ever since and believes he can get the very best out of him once again.

Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, dazzling in the Bundesliga with eight goals in 23 league games as he helped the German giants challenge for major honours. 

Despite that impressive campaign, his long-term future remains uncertain, leaving Villa ready to test Chelsea's resolve.

A loan switch is very much on the table, with Villa having proved before they are willing to pay big money to land elite talent on temporary deals. 

Previous loan captures of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott underline the club's willingness to invest heavily if the right opportunity arises. 

However, it is understood Emery's preference is to strike a permanent deal for Jackson if an agreement can be reached with Chelsea.

STUMBLING BLOCK

Jackson's high wages are understood to have proved a stumbling block in previous attempts to broker a move, but Villa believe they have the financial strength to structure a deal if Chelsea are willing to negotiate.

The Villans see Jackson as the ideal addition to inject pace, power and goals into their attack, with the experienced Senegal international's ability to play right across the front line making him an even more attractive option.

Despite finding opportunities limited at Chelsea, Jackson remains highly regarded across Europe and is still viewed as one of the continent's most exciting attacking talents. 

His blistering pace, intelligent movement and eye for goal have attracted interest from several leading clubs, but Villa believe Emery's close relationship with the striker could prove decisive.

Chelsea are expected to demand a sizeable fee if they are persuaded to sell a player tied to the club until 2033, but Villa are pressing ahead with plans to formalise their interest.

If Emery gets his way, he could soon be reunited with one of the forwards he knows better than most in what would represent another major statement of intent from the ambitious Midlands club.