Chelsea Demand Big Money for Nicolas Jackson Transfer Amid Aston Villa Interest

Aston Villa explore move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, but £60m price tag forces focus on potential loan-to-buy deal.

Aston Villa are exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson before the close of the transfer window but financial restrictions could prevent a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old Senegal international is available for transfer this month, and yet Chelsea’s £60m-plus valuation is proving difficult for Villa to meet.

Manager Unai Emery remains a firm admirer of Jackson, who he gave his breakthrough at Villarreal, and is keen to reunite with the forward.

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Emery sees the Chelsea striker as an ideal addition to bring greater flexibility to Villa’s attack, either playing alongside Ollie Watkins or in a slightly deeper role.

Villa’s financial situation, however, limits their room for manoeuvre. Despite raising funds by selling Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £43m and arranging a loan departure for Leon Bailey, Villa’s spending power is still restricted under financial fair play regulations.

The Midlands club are nonetheless exploring creative ways to structure a potential deal, with the most realistic route appearing to be a loan move including either an obligation or option to buy at a later stage.

Loan Deal Appears Most Likely Path

Chelsea have so far been reluctant to sanction a loan for Jackson, preferring a straight permanent sale. However, with time running out in the transfer window, a compromise similar to Newcastle’s arrangement for Lewis Hall — a loan with a compulsory purchase clause — may yet be considered.

Jackson himself is currently training with Chelsea’s loan group away from Enzo Maresca’s first-team setup, underlining his diminished role following the club’s summer signings of Liam Delap and João Pedro. He scored 13 goals last season for the Blues, following a 17-goal campaign the year before, but now finds himself surplus to requirements.

Emery’s admiration for Jackson has never wavered, and the player has spoken fondly of the Spanish coach in the past. The pair enjoyed a fruitful spell at Villarreal, and their strong relationship could play a decisive role if Villa are able to strike a deal.

Competition From Abroad and Transfer Market Pressure

Villa may not have a free run at Jackson. Italian clubs, including Napoli and AC Milan, are monitoring the situation closely.

Napoli, in particular, are in the market for a striker following Romelu Lukaku’s injury, although Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund is thought to be their primary target.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are also linked with a late move for the Senegalese forward, adding further competition. Villa’s pursuit of Jackson runs alongside their interest in re-signing Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain as Emery looks to add another attacking option.

Chelsea, for their part, are eager to move on several players — including Jackson and Bayern Munich target Christopher Nkunku — in order to create space for new arrivals.

The London club are advancing talks for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho while also progressing a deal for Xavi Simons with RB Leipzig.