Aston Villa pushing to reunite Unai Emery with Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson

Aston Villa are making Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson their top transfer priority, with manager Unai Emery keen on a reunion with the forward he previously coached at Villarreal.

The Midlands club see the Senegalese international as a potential addition to strengthen their frontline as they prepare for a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

Jackson has been made available for transfer with the London side setting an asking price of £60 million. The Blues are open to offers as they continue to manage their Profit and Sustainability (PRS) obligations, and the sale of the 24-year-old would provide a significant financial boost.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Villa have already initiated contact with Chelsea to explore possible terms of a deal. Their preference has been for a loan-to-buy structure, which would allow them to manage their spending carefully after balancing their own PRS situation through the recent sale of midfielder Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United.

Chelsea, however, are pushing for a permanent transfer and are less inclined toward a temporary arrangement.

Emery’s interest in Jackson stems from their previous working relationship at Villarreal, where the striker’s development flourished under his guidance before he moved to Stamford Bridge.

Villa believe that under Emery’s management once again, Jackson could rediscover his best form and offer the physicality and direct play that their attacking line currently lacks.