Report: Aston Villa set to make move for €70m attacker | OneFootball

Aston Villa Move for Nicolas Jackson Signals New Direction in Chelsea Transfer Talks

Aston Villa appear to be moving decisively in the transfer market, with Foot Mercato reporting that a deal for Nicolas Jackson is edging closer. The headline figure is significant, around €70m including bonuses, and it underlines how urgently Villa want to reshape their attack before the season settles into rhythm.

This has become a complicated summer for Unai Emery. After back to back fourth-place finishes and Europa League success, Villa have already seen a series of high-profile exits that would test any squad. The departures of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne have created a very different feel around the club, one where reinvention is no longer optional.

That sense of urgency has only grown after the 4-0 defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend. With Ollie Watkins reportedly trying to push through a move to Saudi Arabia, and even left out by Emery, Villa have clear reason to accelerate plans for a new focal point up front. Jackson, back at Chelsea after Bayern Munich declined to keep him permanently following his loan, now looks like a leading solution.

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Nicolas Jackson deal gathers pace

Chelsea’s stance appears straightforward. They are ready to sell, though not on a simple loan, and Villa have responded with an offer close to the London club’s valuation. That matters, because it suggests this is more than a speculative enquiry. It looks like a serious attempt to land a striker who still has profile, pace and Premier League experience.

The original report states, “Aston Villa est sur le point de trouver un accord avec Chelsea pour le transfert de Nicolas Jackson”. That alone gives this story real weight, especially in a market where clubs often brief interest long before formal progress is made.

Jean-Philippe Mateta interest adds intrigue

Villa may not be stopping there. Their interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta points to a broader attacking rebuild, rather than a one-player fix. A first £22m bid has reportedly been rejected by Crystal Palace, yet the approach shows a club trying to add depth, physicality and different options in the final third.

With Johan Manzambi and Alejandro Garnacho already added to the attacking group, Emery seems focused on variety and fresh energy. Arsenal are next in the Premier League, and Champions League commitments are also looming, so the need for quick progress is obvious.

Our View

From an Aston Villa perspective, this report feels both exciting and slightly nerve-racking. Supporters will understand the need to act quickly, because the opening loss to Brighton was a reminder that this squad cannot drift through a transitional spell and hope quality alone carries it through.

Nicolas Jackson would be a bold signing. He is quick, direct and capable of stretching defences, which could suit Emery’s approach if Villa build the right structure around him. There will be debate over the fee, because €70m is a major outlay for a player Chelsea are willing to let go, but that is the nature of the market when a club needs an immediate starter.

The more interesting part is the apparent pursuit of Mateta alongside Jackson. That suggests Villa may be preparing for a much bigger attacking reshuffle than many first assumed. If Watkins does leave, replacing his goals with one name alone would always have looked risky. Two forwards with contrasting profiles would make more sense.

The key now is execution. Villa fans can accept change when there is a plan behind it. What they will want to see is ambition matched by smart recruitment, and this report hints that Emery and the club are trying to do exactly that. If Jackson arrives and another striker follows, the mood could shift very quickly.

Source: Foot Mercato