Aston Villa are exploring a move for Nicolas Jackson as they close in on signing Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea during an increasingly busy summer transfer window.
FootballPlace understands Garnacho is close to joining Villa on a season-long loan that includes a conditional obligation to buy next summer.
However, Unai Emery's side are also interested in Jackson as they continue rebuilding their attack following the club-record sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
Emery wants Jackson reunion
FootballPlace understands Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to reunite with Jackson after previously working with the striker at Villarreal.
Although no club-to-club negotiations have taken place at this stage, Villa have identified the Senegal international as a potential addition to strengthen their forward line.
Jackson is understood to be open to a move to Villa Park in pursuit of regular first-team football.
Chelsea assessing Jackson's future
The 25-year-old is currently expected to report for Chelsea's pre-season tour of New Zealand, where new head coach Xabi Alonso plans to assess him before making a final decision on his future.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga champions chose not to activate the £56 million purchase option included in the agreement.
That has returned the striker to Stamford Bridge, although his long-term future remains uncertain.
Increased competition at Stamford Bridge
Jackson's pathway into Chelsea's starting line-up has become increasingly difficult.
The arrivals of João Pedro and Liam Delap pushed the former Villarreal forward down the pecking order last season, with João Pedro establishing himself as Chelsea's first-choice striker after scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
Since joining Chelsea for £32 million in 2023, Jackson has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances, but the increased competition has left him considering his options.
Garnacho deal nearing completion
Villa's interest in Jackson comes as they move closer to finalising a deal for Garnacho.
FootballPlace understands the Manchester United academy graduate is expected to arrive on loan for the 2026/27 campaign, with Villa holding a conditional obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer.
The negotiations reflect the strong relationship between Aston Villa and Chelsea following the recent agreement that saw Morgan Rogers move to Stamford Bridge.
Key Points
- Aston Villa are interested in signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.
- Jackson is open to a move in search of regular first-team football.
- Unai Emery wants to reunite with the striker after working with him at Villarreal.
- Chelsea are expected to assess Jackson during pre-season before deciding his future.
- Villa are also close to completing a season-long loan deal for Alejandro Garnacho.
What's Next?
Aston Villa are expected to focus on completing the Garnacho deal before deciding whether to formally approach Chelsea for Jackson. The striker's future is likely to become clearer after Chelsea's pre-season tour, with Xabi Alonso set to assess his attacking options before any final decision is made.
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 22 Jul 2026 12:10
Somehow I’ve a feeling that Emery revive both of them. But I thought the same about Sancho or Elliot. I would have rather seen Delap go. Jackson was good but his finish was just as bad as his first touch. But the way he press and moves is second to none
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