Aston Villa want Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson | OneFootball

Aston Villa are keeping an eye on the situation of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

Journalist Nabil Djellit reported the news over the weekend, and Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has confirmed their interest.

Villa manager Unai Emery is a long-term admirer of the Senegal international, having given him his debut at Villarreal, and a reunion could be on the cards.

Chelsea reportedly want £100 million for Jackson, which could dissuade the Villa Park club and other suitors.

They currently have Ollie Watkins as their number nine, but they need another quality option despite signing 19-year-old Dutch striker Zepiqueno Redmond.

They sold Colombian Jhon Duran in January, while Watkins has been linked with an exit in recent months.

Jackson has not particularly been firing on all cylinders in the Premier League, but Emery may fancy his chances of getting the best out of him again.

The 24-year-old arrived two years ago for £32m from Villarreal and has notched 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for the Blues.

Jackson bagged 12 goals and four assists in 26 La Liga games in his last season in the Spanish top-flight in 2022-23.

It appears Emery reckons he has what it takes to hit the ground running at Villa despite failing to shine at Chelsea.

The club have also signed 19-year-old Turkish defender Yasin Ozcan, while Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizo is expected to be announced as a replacement for Robin Olsen.

More departures are expected in the coming weeks, which could impact the nature of Villa’s transfer business this summer.

Villa narrowly missed out on securing Champions League qualification at the end of last season after finishing sixth behind Newcastle United on goal difference.

They need some quality additions this summer to mount a strong challenge for the top four next term.