Bombshell 😱: Unai Emery will reunite with his former player, as Aston Villa are the clear favourites to sign him. It’s just a matter of hours before the deal is done.

Unai Emery could be set for a reunion with Nicolas Jackson, with the Chelsea striker edging closer to a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Aston Villa have maintained an interest in the Senegal international throughout the transfer window, and developments now suggest a deal could be nearing completion.

Emery knows Jackson well, having handed him his senior debut during their time together at Villarreal before the forward secured a lucrative move to Chelsea in 2023.

However, Jackson’s spell in west London has failed to live up to expectations, with the striker spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich in search of regular football.

Villa have faced competition from Atletico Madrid for the 25-year-old, but that battle may have taken a significant turn.

According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, Atletico have now pulled out of the race for Jackson in a “slam dunk” update on X.

Chelsea are reportedly demanding more than £68m, although a loan deal could be more realistic, particularly if Ollie Watkins leaves Villa Park.

Villa have already rejected a fourth bid from Al-Hilal, understood to be worth £45m, but the Saudi club remain determined to sign Watkins.

However, Tottenham Hotspur are also working on a deal for Jackson, according to Football Insider. Spurs are also monitoring Jean-Philippe Mateta as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his attacking options following Dominic Solanke’s difficult campaign.