{"id":259796,"date":"2026-08-27T08:10:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T08:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/27\/meet-the-65m-aston-villa-target-whos-a-class-above-jackson\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T08:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T08:10:11","slug":"meet-the-65m-aston-villa-target-whos-a-class-above-jackson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/27\/meet-the-65m-aston-villa-target-whos-a-class-above-jackson\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the \u00a365m Aston Villa target who’s a class above Jackson"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

This summer window has seen Unai Emery<\/a> constantly facing the prospect of having to replace some of his key senior squad members at Aston Villa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Villa should steer clear of a move for Jackson<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

In an attempt to soften the blow of Watkins\u2019 potential departure, Aston Villa have been strongly touted with a move to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Senegalese international, who featured under Emery at Villarreal, is set to depart the Blues this summer – leading to rumours of a \u00a365m deal to join the Villans.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Chelsea's\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Tyrone Siu<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Such a deal would hand the Spaniard another key attacking option, but the hierarchy should be looking elsewhere for additional attacking reinforcements.<\/p>\n

During his two previous seasons in the Premier League, the 25-year-old has netted 24 goals, but it\u2019s his wasteful nature which has prevented him from starring in the final third.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Most big chances missed in the PL (2023\/24)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Player<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Erling Haaland<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

34<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Darwin Nunez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

27<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Nicolas Jackson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

24<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ollie Watkins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

22<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Alexander Isak<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

21<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Mohamed Salah<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

17<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Brennan Johnson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

17<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Dominic Calvert-Lewin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

16<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Jackson missed 43 big chances during his last two seasons in England\u2019s top-flight, with such numbers showcasing his inability to make the most of his chances in front of goal.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s rapidly fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge in recent times, subsequently being loaned out last season to gain needed senior minutes.<\/p>\n

\u00a365m 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n How Aston Villa can land a bigger talent than Jackson<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been touted with a move to the West Midlands<\/a>, but their first offer for the Crystal Palace star was rejected out of hand in recent days.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Crystal\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

However, he\u2019s 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\u2019s men.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

They also claim that Emery\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n