Aston Villa to 'pursue move' for Chelsea attacker if Ollie Watkins departs

By Saikat Mandal | 21 Aug 2026 18:43, Last updated: 21 Aug 2026 22:06

Aston Villa are reportedly considering a determination for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson this summer, though immoderate attack could hinge connected developments surrounding Ollie Watkins.

Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal successful the summertime of 2023 and has since made 81 appearances for the Blues, scoring 30 goals.

The 25-year-old spent past play connected indebtedness astatine Bayern Munich, but contempt having the enactment to marque the determination permanent, the German giants yet decided against doing so.

Jackson remains nether a semipermanent declaration astatine Stamford Bridge, though determination is simply a increasing anticipation that Chelsea could authorisation his departure arsenic Xabi Alonso looks to streamline his squad.

How Aston Villa could motion Nicolas Jackson? 

According to Sky Sports News, Aston Villa are expected to marque a determination for Jackson should they determine to currency successful connected Watkins.

The England planetary has been linked with a determination to Saudi Pro League broadside Al-Hilal and is reportedly unfastened to leaving Villa Park this summer.

Villa stay determined to support clasp of their prima striker, but Unai Emery has admitted that the anticipation of an exit cannot beryllium wholly ruled out.

Nicolas Jackson to regenerate Watkins astatine Aston Villa? 

Chelsea reportedly worth Jackson astatine astir £65m, and a determination to Villa could spot the Senegal planetary reunite with Emery, who antecedently coached him astatine Villarreal.

Villa whitethorn request to marque a swift decision, however, arsenic they could find themselves drawn into a transportation conflict for the 25-year-old, with Atletico Madrid besides said to beryllium monitoring his situation.

Chelsea and Villa person already done concern with 1 different this summer, with Morgan Rogers moving to Stamford Bridge, portion Alejandro Garnacho headed successful the other direction.

Atletico are reportedly much funny successful securing Jackson connected loan, whereas Chelsea would similar a imperishable sale, perchance giving Villa an vantage should they yet determine to authorisation Watkins's departure and determination for a replacement.