Aston Villa want to sign £40m Blues forward
Chelsea transfer news: Aston Villa and Chelsea have opened fresh lines of communication over the last 24 hours regarding a potential summer move for Nicolas Jackson. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano broke the news that Midlands executives put the forward’s name squarely on the table during wider discussions between the two Premier League clubs.
Chelsea transfer news: Aston Villa eye Chelsea striker as Unai Emery holds talks
It is no secret that Villa manager Unai Emery holds his former Villarreal prodigy in incredibly high esteem. They enjoyed a highly successful time together in Spain, and the Villa boss clearly feels there is unfinished business. Villa actually failed with an official approach for the frontman last summer. Now, they are back at the table. This latest development highlights a busy market as clubs look to reorganise their frontlines before pre-season tours commence.
The 25-year-old attacker spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at German heavyweights Bayern Munich. He picked up a Bundesliga winner’s medal during that stint, scoring eight goals and providing one assist across 23 league appearances. Chelsea valued him at around £32m previously. Current market speculation suggests any permanent deal would require a package closer to £40m to tempt Stamford Bridge chiefs into a sale.
VF’s take:
New Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso wants to assess the forward during pre-season training before sanctioning a departure. This introduces a fascinating twist to the summer window. Villa desperately seek reliable support for Ollie Watkins ahead of another tough European campaign.
Adding Jackson makes sense on paper. Emery knows how to get the best out of him. His tactical flexibility across the frontline provides elite cover. Chelsea seem torn between keeping him as a useful squad option under Alonso or cashing in to balance their books. If Villa can secure a deal around the £40m mark, they should pull the trigger.
Rohit Sarkar
