BREAKING: Aston Villa in SECRET CLUB-TO-CLUB TALKS to land EXPLOSIVE 25-year-old SUPERSTAR – Transfer BOMBSHELL that could change EVERYTHING!

Aston Villa are reportedly increasing their efforts to sign a new striker this summer as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of another demanding campaign.

The Midlands club face the difficult task of replacing Morgan Rogers following his departure to Chelsea in a British-record transfer.

Rogers played an important role in Villa’s attacking threat last season, contributing goals, creativity and versatility.

His absence could therefore leave Emery with a significant gap to fill as the club prepares for another season of Champions League football.

Villa will be hoping to build on the progress they made last campaign, but replacing Rogers’ influence will be crucial if they are to maintain similar standards.

Emery and his recruitment team have already been busy during the transfer window, bringing in Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi.

However, further attacking reinforcements are expected before the window closes.

One player who has emerged as a potential solution is Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a striker Emery knows particularly well from their time together at Villarreal.

Aston Villa hold talks over Nicolas Jackson

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Villa are currently in direct discussions with both Chelsea and Jackson’s representatives regarding a possible move.

Plettenberg reported on X that Villa are exploring either a permanent transfer or a loan deal for the Senegal international, although no agreement has been reached at this stage.

Chelsea are reportedly demanding a fee of up to £65 million for Jackson. That would represent a significant profit for the Blues, who signed the striker from Villarreal for approximately £32 million after triggering his release clause.

Jackson initially showed plenty of promise after moving to Stamford Bridge, but his relationship with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca eventually deteriorated.

That situation resulted in a loan move to Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.

However, many of those outings came from the bench because Harry Kane remained Bayern’s first-choice striker.

Emery could revive Jackson’s best form

A reunion with Emery could provide Jackson with the opportunity to rediscover his best form.

The Villa boss worked with the striker at Villarreal and helped him develop during his time at the Spanish club.

Jackson has previously spoken highly of Emery’s influence, saying: “Unai Emery taught me a lot in football. He taught me everything.”

Emery also recognised Jackson’s potential during their time together, describing him as a player with a huge future and enormous ability.

The striker has faced criticism in recent times, particularly after receiving two red cards in a relatively short period.

However, those incidents should be viewed in the wider context of his career, where disciplinary problems have not been a consistent feature.

Emery is known for demanding discipline and tactical commitment from his players, and Jackson already understands those expectations.

If Villa can complete a deal, the manager may believe he can once again unlock the striker’s potential and turn him into an important source of goals at Villa Park.