Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Date set for Emery to make first Aston Villa move with £26million attacker offer just around the corner

Nicolas Jackson, Villarreal, October 2022

Unai Emery will reportedly attempt to make his first Aston Villa signing just after the World Cup, as a bid for Nicolas Jackson is in preparation.

A lot has been made of the potential moves Emery will make in his short time as Villa manager. Indeed, he has managed just one game so far.

That was a statement 3-1 win over fifth-placed Manchester United. It was enough to haul Villa up to 13th place in the Premier League.

While a number of Villa stars’ places in the side will be safe, some new recruits will likely come through the door.

Indeed, Emery will be keen on making the squad his own. There have been links to a variety of styles and positions of player.

Of course, he will already know what type of players he wants for his side after training with the squad for a little time.

There have been links to a few of his former Villarreal players. Given how well the team did, namely reaching the Champions League semi-finals, Emery could be keen to reunite with some stars.

It is not unlikely that Villa will allow him a good lump of cash, so that he can potentially snare one or two of those.

And bringing in more firepower is certainly an option for Emery with the capture of playmaker Philippe Coutinho branded one of the top 10 mistakes in the Premier League this season.

Nicolas Jackson bid incoming

One Villarreal star that has been linked with a move to Villa is Jackson. The winger was elevated to the first team under Emery last season.

A report from one Spanish media outlet states the Villans will bid for him soon.

Indeed, it states Villa ‘intends to make a formal offer’ after the World Cup. The winger has an outside chance of making Senegal’s squad for the tournament.

While he has never played for his country, he was in the squad for their last two games, but did not make it onto the pitch.

Of course, the transfer window will not open until after the tournament anyway.

Jackson price revealed

It has been reported that Jackson has a release clause of approximately £26.1million. Villa would likely have no issues in spending that sum.

Especially given Emery seems very keen to be reunited with his former star. Jackson has scored twice and assisted twice this season, and is coming into his own in senior football.

Given Emery managed him for the first half of the season, as well in a few games last season, he will know how much of a talent he is.

The fact the manager wants to bring Jackson to Villa tells you all you need to know about his quality, hence why the club will be keen to back their new manager with a transfer attempt.

READ MORE: Emery connection gives Aston Villa simple route to winger snare as £44million transfer is mooted