Sources: Chelsea demand €60m for player as ‘direct talks’ continue with Premier League rivals

Aston Villa remain firmly interested in Nicolas Jackson as Unai Emery looks to reunite with the Chelsea striker before the summer transfer window closes.

Jackson is back at Stamford Bridge following his season-long loan with Bayern Munich and has been involved during Chelsea’s pre-season programme under Xabi Alonso.

However, his long-term future remains uncertain as the Blues continue reshaping an attacking department packed with options.

Villa’s interest carries extra significance because Emery already knows Jackson extremely well.

The pair worked together at Villarreal, and the Villa manager believes the Senegal international can provide the pace, physicality and movement his attack needs.

Chelsea in talks with Aston Villa for Jackson

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Aston Villa have been in direct talks with both Chelsea and Jackson’s representatives as they search for an agreement.

A permanent transfer and an initial loan have both been discussed, with a loan potentially including an option or obligation to buy.

No final agreement has yet been reached, but Villa’s continued negotiations show that Jackson remains a serious target.

Chelsea’s valuation represents the biggest obstacle. The Blues want around €60m for Jackson, while Villa may wait until later in the window before making their move because of UEFA financial regulations.

The demand is high for Jackson this summer as Daily Mail has confirmed even Tottenham have the Blues attacker on their radar.

Emery reunion could revive Jackson’s career

Jackson is an interesting option because Villa would not simply be gambling on potential.

Emery has already worked with him and understands how to use his speed and movement effectively.

At 25, Jackson should also still have considerable room for improvement. His finishing has attracted criticism at times, but his ability to stretch defences, press aggressively and create chances through his movement makes him more valuable than his goal numbers alone suggest.

The asking price is the difficult part. Villa have already made major changes following Morgan Rogers’ departure, and committing another enormous fee would need careful consideration.

A loan with an obligation to buy may therefore represent the ideal compromise.

Chelsea would receive a guaranteed future sale, while Villa could structure the cost more comfortably.

Jackson’s involvement in pre-season shows Alonso is still prepared to assess him, so Chelsea do not need to sell cheaply.