‘Aston Villa step up Nicolas Jackson pursuit amid Ollie Watkins talks’
Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson this summer amid increasing interest in Ollie Watkins.
Jackson has registered 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023.
However, the Senegal international faces a battle for minutes next season after the Blues invested heavily in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer.
Pedro and Delap registered four goals and an assist combined during Chelsea’s triumphant Club World Cup campaign, while Jackson had to settle for just 98 minutes on the pitch, managing a single assist.
Nicolas Jackson wants out
Jackson is understood to be ‘unhappy’ with Chelsea’s transfer activity this summer, which has left him facing the very real possibility of being third-choice at Stamford Bridge.
However, Jackson may have a way out, with Aston Villa understood to be keen admirers.
Villa are preparing for a campaign in the Europa League after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, only missing out on the final Champions League spot to Newcastle on goal difference.
With that in mind, some extra firepower would not go amiss at Villa Park — especially considering Jhon Duran’s January departure means Ollie Watkins is their only recognised No.9, and even his future is not assured.
Man United weighing up fresh Ollie Watkins approach
While Jackson would likely still have to play second fiddle if he and Watkins were both at Villa next season, that may not be the case.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United have ‘held fresh talks’ over Watkins.
The Red Devils are desperate for a striker after netting just 44 Premier League goals last season as they slumped to 15th.
Existing centre-forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee bagged just four and three goals, respectively, shining a harsh light on Ruben Amorim’s need in the market.
Jacobs reports that Villa are holding out for £60million for Watkins — who still has three years left to run on his current contract — but that United are willing to make a move if that drops.
The only way Villa are likely to alter their position is if a replacement is found, and Jackson is understood to be on their shortlist in that regard.