Aston Villa have intensified their efforts to strengthen their attack, with Nicolas Jackson now firmly at the top of their transfer list. The Chelsea striker has drawn interest from several clubs across Europe, but Villa are confident their manager’s past relationship with the player could be a decisive advantage.
Softfootball understands that Unai Emery has personally identified Jackson as the perfect fit for his squad, having worked closely with him during their time together in Spain. The Spanish coach remains convinced of Jackson’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver goals in the Premier League.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms the latest developments on the move via his official X handle. He said:
“Aston Villa are pushing for Nico Jackson as top target wanted by Unai Emery.
“Emery was Jackson’s coach at Villarreal and relationship is excellent, with talks ongoing over formula/structure of the deal.
“#AVFC also aware of competitions with several top clubs keen,”
Emery’s confidence in Jackson stems from their successful stint in Villarreal, where the forward showcased his potential talent under the Villa boss.
The reunion is seen internally by the club as more than just a tactical move; it is a vote of confidence in a player Emery believes can thrive under his system at the club.
However, Villa faces a lot of competition from several top European clubs like Bayern, who are monitoring Jackson’s situation closely; Chelsea are weighing their options carefully regarding the forward’s future.
Whether a loan or a permanent deal materializes, Villa will need to act decisively if they are to secure their manager’s top attacking target.