This summer window has seen Unai Emery constantly facing the prospect of having to replace some of his key senior squad members at Aston Villa.
Players such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa have all departed the West Midlands in search of a new challenge, whilst Ollie Watkins could also follow in their footsteps.
The England international missed the clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday after stating his desire to pursue a move to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
A deal for the 30-year-old could still be completed before the end of the window, which could see Emery once again on the hunt for added attacking reinforcements.
Why Villa should steer clear of a move for Jackson
In an attempt to soften the blow of Watkins’ potential departure, Aston Villa have been strongly touted with a move to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese international, who featured under Emery at Villarreal, is set to depart the Blues this summer – leading to rumours of a £65m deal to join the Villans.
Such a deal would hand the Spaniard another key attacking option, but the hierarchy should be looking elsewhere for additional attacking reinforcements.
During his two previous seasons in the Premier League, the 25-year-old has netted 24 goals, but it’s his wasteful nature which has prevented him from starring in the final third.
|
Most big chances missed in the PL (2023/24) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Erling Haaland |
34 |
|
Darwin Nunez |
27 |
|
Nicolas Jackson |
24 |
|
Ollie Watkins |
22 |
|
Alexander Isak |
21 |
|
Mohamed Salah |
17 |
|
Brennan Johnson |
17 |
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin |
16 |
Jackson missed 43 big chances during his last two seasons in England’s top-flight, with such numbers showcasing his inability to make the most of his chances in front of goal.
He’s rapidly fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge in recent times, subsequently being loaned out last season to gain needed senior minutes.
£65m for his signature would be a huge waste of money on the Senegalese international, with much better value for money options available before the end of the window.
How Aston Villa can land a bigger talent than Jackson
Despite the interest in a late move for Jackson, Villa are still considering various other options to soften the blow should Watkins depart before the end of the summer window.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been touted with a move to the West Midlands, but their first offer for the Crystal Palace star was rejected out of hand in recent days.
However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar at present, with Bayer Leverkusen talisman Christian Kofane also being linked with a move to join Emery’s men.
The Athletic have provided the latest on a deal for the Cameroonian international, stating that the Villans have already made an approach to the Bundesliga side for his signature.
They also claim that Emery’s men have a long-standing interest in the 20-year-old and even tried to land him before his subsequent move to Germany 12 months ago.
Club-to-club contact has been held in recent days, but Leverkusen are understood to not want to sell the youngster despite a £65m fee being mooted for his signature.
The youngster may be an unknown quantity to many Villa supporters, but he’s a player who has gained huge hype in recent times for his form in the Bundesliga.
His stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcase his quality within the attacking third, even managing to better Jackson in various key areas and demonstrating why he’s already a class above the £65m target.
Kofane managed to complete more of the passes he attempted last term, whilst also registering more chances created per 90 – showcasing his all-round nature within attacking areas.
He also managed to register more combined goals and assists across 2025/26, further showcasing his dominance over the Chelsea star within the final third.
The Cameroonian’s ability to either find the back of the net alone or tee up a teammate is a huge asset for Emery’s men, as they attempt to land reinforcements after being ransacked this summer.
His dominance over Jackson is further evident in his higher take-on success rate, which could see the youngster operate as either a focal point or an option to play on the shoulder of the last defender.
At just 20 years of age, spending big money could see a project develop at Villa Park, but the club would also land a player who is ready to immediately lead the line.
Jackson does have key Premier League experience, but if the club are to sustain their success and fight at the top-level – a move for Kofane should be a no-brainer.