Aston Villa are accelerating towards landing their top striker in a move which could prompt a dramatic transfer merry-go-round involving Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, reports claim.
Aston Villa have completed just three signings so far this summer, with their biggest outlay being the £26 million capture of striker Evann Guessand from Nice.
However, Unai Emery’s side remain keen to bolster their attacking options following the departures of Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey. According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa have now identified Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a top target.
Jackson, who found the net in last summer’s Conference League final against Real Betis, is tied to a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge running until 2032.
Even so, the Senegal international has slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, prompting interest from several clubs — with Villa now firmly in the mix.
Newcastle, who edged out Aston Villa for the final Champions League spot on goal difference last season, have been strongly linked with Nicolas Jackson alongside several other striking options this summer.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa currently lead the race, with Jackson considered a priority target. Negotiations are said to be progressing, with discussions centering on the structure of the deal.
The Senegal international has history with Unai Emery, having worked under him at Villarreal, and the two are understood to maintain a strong relationship — something that could give Villa the edge.
🔥 A Move That Could Trigger Transfer Chaos
Ollie Watkins remains Villa’s first-choice striker, but TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones has claimed that Newcastle could turn their attention to him if Jackson ends up at Villa Park.
Although Villa insist Watkins is not for sale and the England forward has not expressed a desire to leave, Newcastle are believed to be monitoring him as a possible alternative.
Watkins, who has previously been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, endured a difficult spell last season after high-profile arrivals such as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio pushed him down the pecking order.
If Villa do secure Jackson, it could ignite a wider transfer domino effect — one that might see Newcastle swoop for Watkins, further intensifying the battle between the two clubs both on and off the pitch.
Aston Villa step up pursuit of Nicolas Jackson — transfer domino could involve Alexander Isak
Published: 08:02, 22 Aug 2025 (BST)
Aston Villa are pushing hard to secure Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal that could set off a major transfer chain involving Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, according to fresh reports.
So far this summer, Villa have made just three signings, the most expensive being £26 million forward Evann Guessand from Nice. But with Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey both departing, Unai Emery’s side remain intent on reinforcing their attacking options.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Jackson has emerged as a priority target. The Senegalese striker, who scored in last summer’s Conference League final against Real Betis, is contracted to Chelsea until 2032. However, following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, he has slipped down the pecking order — attracting interest from several clubs.
Romano adds that talks with Villa are ongoing, with negotiations now focused on the “structure” of a potential deal. Emery previously worked with Jackson at Villarreal, and their strong relationship could prove decisive.
🔥 Transfer Chain Reaction
Should Villa land Jackson, it could trigger further movement in the market. Ollie Watkins is still considered Emery’s first-choice striker, but TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones has suggested Newcastle may turn their attention to him if Jackson arrives at Villa Park.
Although Villa insist Watkins is not for sale and the player himself isn’t pushing for a move, the England international continues to attract interest. Watkins — who has previously been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United — was in and out of the side last season after Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio arrived.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s own striker situation remains tense. Their pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has hit a dead end, with the forward unfollowing the club and scrubbing his social media. At the same time, star man Alexander Isak continues to push for an exit, despite the club refusing to sanction a sale.
The Swede is currently training alone after publicly voicing his desire to leave, with Liverpool expected to return with an improved bid following their initial approach.
If Villa get Jackson and Newcastle move for Watkins, it could directly impact Isak’s future, with the final days of the transfer window shaping up to be chaotic
