The transfer deadline is arriving fast, with just a week’s time left in the window. Newcastle United, who started out slow, have somewhat managed to pick up pace in the later part of the summer to secure the signings of four players in the form of Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale and Jacob Ramsey.
However, there’s still a major void left to be filled. We are talking about a prolific striker up front. Although the chances of the departure of Alexander Isak are diminishing, it’s safe to say that the club could hardly put their trust in the Swede as the only established striker in the team for this new season, especially following the ongoing saga involving the player’s future. Newcastle do have William Osula as an option but he is yet to reach the level required to lead the Magpies attack throughout the season.
Newcastle have already lost the race to players like Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko to other clubs. Now, as if these setbacks weren’t enough, it seems they are likely to miss out on another target.
According to Football Insider’s senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke, who spoke on the Inside Track podcast, Nicolas Jackson could move this summer due to the arrival of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro at Chelsea. Newcastle are in the race for the player, but Aston Villa seem to be the favourites. O’Rourke further said:
"Emery gave [Jackson] his La Liga debut at Villarreal, the two of them both have a good relationship, and Emery is hoping that will give his team the advantage as they follow up their interest in Jackson.
“It’s a deal they are working on and an agreement is a high possibility. Villa are in pole position."
Aston Villa in front of Newcastle in race to secure Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson
Aston Villa coach Emery is reportedly keen on reuniting with Jackson, having worked with the striker back at Villarreal before the player moved to Chelsea. So the Lions will have a major upper hand over Newcastle in the race for Jackson. That said, the Magpies can offer the player Champions League football, which won’t be the case with Villa. Chelsea have set a price of £60 million to let go of the player and are expected to part ways with him before the transfer deadline.
Nevertheless, frankly speaking, Jackson would be somewhat of a downgrade compared to Isak. While the Senegalese found the back of the net just 13 times last season, the Swede managed more than double that tally with 27 goals. However, Jackson does have the quality to grow as a player, having shown instances of his ability for Chelsea every now and then.
All things considered, with the transfer window in its final stages, there aren’t many options left for Newcastle to pursue, nor is there much time. Jackson might be one of the few viable options remaining at this point. Losing him would be another major setback for the Magpies if Villa do manage to win the race.