Nicolas Jackson has told close friends that he wants to join Aston Villa this summer despite interest from Newcastle United, Football Insider has revealed.
The Chelsea striker, 24, has emerged as a target for both clubs as they aim to bolster their attacking options, but sources suggest Villa are in pole position thanks to Jackson’s desire to reunite with Unai Emery at Villa Park.
Chelsea’s Price Tag Stands in the Way
Chelsea are open to selling Jackson following their summer arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. However, they have slapped an £80 million price tag on the Senegalese forward.
Villa, while strongly interested, value the striker closer to £60 million and are unlikely to meet Chelsea’s current asking price. Negotiations are expected to focus on bridging that gap as Emery looks to add firepower ahead of the new season.
Emery Factor Could Prove Decisive
Jackson’s preference for a move to Aston Villa stems from his strong relationship with Unai Emery, forged during their time together at Villarreal. The Spanish manager played a key role in Jackson’s development and remains a significant influence on the forward’s career.
Back in June, Football Insider reported that Villa had already made a preliminary approach for Jackson. The player’s recent admission that he favours Villa over Newcastle provides a major boost to the Midlands club’s hopes of sealing the deal.
Jackson’s Chelsea Record
Since joining Chelsea, Jackson has notched 24 Premier League goals and supplied 10 assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create. Despite flashes of brilliance, his future at Stamford Bridge has been clouded by inconsistency and the club’s heavy investment in new strikers.
For Villa, his arrival would add proven quality and depth to an attack already brimming with talent but in need of greater firepower for their domestic and European ambitions.
Villa’s Ambitious Summer Plans
In addition to pursuing Jackson, Aston Villa are advancing talks to bring Marco Asensio back from Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish international spent time on loan at Villa Park last season, where he impressed Emery, who remains eager to secure him on a permanent deal.
Asensio has just one year left on his PSG contract, making a transfer plausible for both parties. Should Villa land both Asensio and Jackson, it would represent a huge statement of intent ahead of the new campaign.
What’s Next?
For now, Chelsea hold firm on their valuation, but Jackson’s preference for Villa puts Emery’s side in a strong position. If negotiations progress, Aston Villa could soon welcome one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards, reunited with the manager who knows how to get the best out of him.