€65m striker says 'yes' to Chelsea transfer

€65m star says 'yes' to Chelsea exit as advanced talks confirmed Make us your Google favourite Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is reportedly open to reuniting with former Villarreal boss Unai Emery at Aston Villa this summer. The Senegal striker has returned to Chelsea following a season-long loan spell at Bayern Munich, but he has been heavily linked with a permanent Stamford Bridge exit before Deadline Day, despite his form in pre-season. As a result, the Chelsea hierarchy are eager to offload David Datro Fofana, Deivid Washington, Marc Guiu, Liam Delap and Shumaira Mheuka (loan), while Jackson’s future remains in serious doubt. Reports speculate that he will be sold if Chelsea’s €65 million asking price is met, although his eye-catching displays in pre-season suggest that he could be a hugely useful asset for Alonso during the upcoming campaign. However, Jackson is among the stars who could leave west London on a permanent deal before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September, with Aston Villa currently regarded as the frontrunners to sign him. Emery’s side were interested in securing the 25-year-old’s signature last summer, but they were unwilling to meet Chelsea’s demands and the deal failed to materialise. But, they have now rekindled their interest in a transfer, despite the emergence of Brian Madjo, and negotiations are expected to ramp up over the coming days as Villa look to lure Jackson to the Midlands. This has been confirmed by transfer reporter Nicolo Schira , who posted on X: “Talks are progressing well for Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa from Chelsea. “The striker has already given his availability to join Aston Villa. Unai Emery loves him and [is] pushing to re-have him after the positive experience together at Villarreal.” Jackson scored 11 goals in 34 games for Bayern last season and it’s likely that he would replace Ollie Watkins as Aston Villa’s first-choice striker if they are able to agree a transfer fee with Chelsea before Deadline Day. Analysis: Why Chelsea should keep Nicolas Jackson Jackson’s finishing has been inconsistent throughout his stint at Chelsea, but he still has 30 goals in 81 competitive games for the club and his all-round game is a level above the likes of Delap and Emegha. His link-up play with Cole Palmer is immense, he is a real threat in behind and his close control when receiving the ball with his back to goal is often excellent. Furthermore, his performances in pre-season have been hugely encouraging and it would be a major error if Jackson is sold. Chelsea don’t need a plethora of centre forwards at the club due to their lack of European football this season, but a roster of Joao Pedro, Welbeck and Jackson would give Alonso plenty of tactical flexibility, and keeping the Senegal star would therefore be the correct decision.