Aston Villa have shown interest in signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, and have reportedly explored the conditions of the deal, according to reports.
Nicolas Jackson, who this month expressed to Chelsea his wish to explore other options during the transfer window, is highly regarded by Unai Emery, who coached the 24-year-old during his time at Villarreal in Spain.
Villa are understood to have explored the conditions of a deal for the versatile forward, who signed for the Blues two seasons ago.
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Chelsea’s summer signings of strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have reduced playing opportunities for the Senegal international, who was notably absent from the squad for friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan ahead of the Premier League season.
Jackson scored 13 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions last season, following a debut year at the club where he netted 17 in 44 matches.
The former Villarreal forward has been training separately from the first team following a mutual agreement to consider a potential departure. Meanwhile, the striker served the final game of his suspension during Chelsea’s season-opening match against Crystal Palace.
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The Blues are looking to offload several fringe players from the club, including Raheem Sterling, Renato Veiga, and other players.
Veiga has been linked with a move to Villarreal for a reported £25 million (€30m), according to Sky Sports. He joined Chelsea from Swiss side FC Basel last season for £12 million and signed a contract extending until the summer of 2031.
Indications are that the potential deal will include a ‘heavy’ sell-on clause, with Chelsea set to retain a significant percentage of any future transfer fee should the player be sold on again.
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