Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson before the transfer window closes, but financial constraints could force them to seek a loan-to-buy agreement rather than a straight purchase.
Chelsea have placed a £60 million-plus valuation on the 24-year-old Senegal international, a fee that Villa are unable to match outright given their financial fair play restrictions. Despite raising significant funds through the £43 million sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United and loaning out Leon Bailey, the Midlands side remain restricted in what they can commit upfront.
Unai Emery, however, is determined to secure Jackson’s services. The Villa manager, who gave Jackson his professional breakthrough during their time together at Villarreal, views the striker as an ideal addition to provide more attacking flexibility. He could operate alongside Ollie Watkins in a two-man frontline or play slightly deeper to link play. Emery’s long-standing admiration for Jackson and the player’s fondness for his former coach could be decisive factors in any negotiations.
For Chelsea, the preference remains a permanent transfer rather than a loan. But with the clock ticking on the summer window, the club may have to compromise, potentially agreeing to a deal similar to the structure used for Newcastle’s signing of Lewis Hall a loan with a mandatory purchase clause at the end of the season.
Jackson’s situation at Stamford Bridge has changed drastically following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro, who have pushed him out of Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans. He has been training with Chelsea’s loan group, a clear indication of his reduced role despite registering 13 goals last season after netting 17 the previous campaign.
Aston Villa are not the only club interested. Napoli and AC Milan are monitoring the situation, with Napoli keen to cover for Romelu Lukaku’s injury. Newcastle have also been linked, while Villa’s interest runs parallel with efforts to bring back Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are keen to offload players such as Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to create space for new arrivals. The London club are pushing ahead with talks for Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United and are also advancing a deal for Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
Whether through a permanent sale or a loan-to-buy arrangement, the next few days will be crucial in determining Jackson’s future.
