Aston Villa are preparing to make a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as Unai Emery looks to rebuild his attacking options following Morgan Rogers’ expected switch to Stamford Bridge.
Sources indicate Villa raised Jackson’s availability during discussions with Chelsea over Rogers, with the Senegal international emerging as one of Emery’s leading attacking targets.
The Villa manager is well acquainted with Jackson, having worked with the forward during their time together at Villarreal. Emery remains a strong admirer of the 25-year-old and believes the striker could fit seamlessly into his system if a deal can be agreed.
Negotiations over Jackson are expected to gather momentum once Rogers’ move to Chelsea is officially confirmed. Villa are understood to be optimistic that talks can progress after the clubs opened discussions during the transfer negotiations.
Villa are looking to strengthen their squad after an eventful summer that has seen significant changes.
The club has already been forced into reshaping its plans following Amadou Onana’s season-ending injury, while midfielder Youri Tielemans has completed a move to Manchester United. In response, Villa have agreed a deal for Swiss youngster Johan Manzambi and remain in talks over Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes and Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.
While reinforcing midfield remains a priority, Emery is also determined to add firepower after Rogers’ impending departure.
Jackson’s familiarity with the Villa boss is viewed as a major advantage. The pair developed a strong working relationship at Villarreal before the striker secured his move to Chelsea, and Emery is believed to see him as an ideal addition to lead Villa’s attack.
Villa also discussed winger Alejandro Garnacho during talks with Chelsea. However, Jackson is understood to be the club’s primary attacking target at this stage. Garnacho has attracted interest from several clubs, including Roma, but Villa remain attentive should the situation change.
Beyond the forward line, Villa continue to plan for further changes elsewhere in the squad.
The Midlands club are preparing for the expected departure of left-back Lucas Digne, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly ready to trigger his release clause. Villa have identified AC Milan defender Pervis Estupiñán as a potential replacement, while they are also assessing goalkeepers Robin Risser of Lens and Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes amid uncertainty surrounding Emiliano Martínez’s future. Juventus are among the clubs monitoring the Argentine goalkeeper.
For now, however, Jackson has emerged as Villa’s headline target as Emery looks to reunite with one of the forwards he knows best.
