Aston Villa Nears Loan Deal for Chelsea Forward Nicolas Jackson

Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, is actively pursuing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a top transfer target to strengthen their attack for the 2025/26 season. Villa is cautiously navigating Premier League profit and sustainability rules, recently selling academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle to comply with regulations, especially after a £9.5 million UEFA fine. Jackson, valued at over £60 million, has been pushed down Chelsea's pecking order following new signings like Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, making him available for transfer despite a long-term contract signed less than a year ago. Villa initially explored a loan deal with an option to buy, with Chelsea now reportedly open to a loan with an obligation, including a possible £10 million loan fee, amid limited interest and pressure to trim their squad for further signings. Jackson’s move could also facilitate a future deal for Chelsea to acquire Aston Villa’s star winger Morgan Rogers, highlighting a potential strategic relationship between the clubs. Other clubs like Newcastle United and Bayern Munich remain interested in Jackson, but Emery’s strong previous working relationship with him at Villarreal positions Villa as a frontrunner.