Aston Villa Interested in Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap Ahead of January Window

Aston Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea forwards Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap during the upcoming January transfer window. The Midlands club have rediscovered their form under Unai Emery after a shaky start to the season.

Villa’s resurgence has been impressive. The Villans have won six consecutive matches across all competitions, including an enthralling 4-3 victory over Brighton earlier this week. Their recent surge has lifted them to third place in the Premier League, sitting six points behind league leaders Arsenal. Fittingly, Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Villa Park on Saturday in a clash packed with major implications.

Villa Targeting Attacking Reinforcements

According to Football Insider, Villa want to strengthen their attacking department in January and have placed both Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap on their shortlist.

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Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, is expected to return to Chelsea in January. Although reports suggest Bayern hold an obligation to buy, that clause only activates if Jackson reaches 40 appearances this season — a milestone that may not be met.

Meanwhile, Liam Delap, who previously excelled for Ipswich Town, has struggled for minutes at Chelsea. He currently sits behind players such as Joao Pedro in the pecking order.

Why Villa Want Them

Villa’s first-choice striker Ollie Watkins remains a key player and starred for England at Euro 2024, but his club form at the start of the 2025–26 campaign has fluctuated. Despite a superb brace against Brighton, his inconsistency has reportedly pushed Emery and the Villa recruitment team to seek reliable competition — or a potential new long-term No. 9.

Either Jackson or Delap could fit the profile Emery wants: young, athletic, tactically flexible, and capable of leading the line in a high-intensity system.

Could a Move Materialise?

Chelsea may be open to discussions given their attacking depth and the uncertain futures of both players. With Bayern unsure about fulfilling the buy clause for Jackson, and Delap struggling for minutes, Aston Villa may feel this is the perfect moment to strike.

A busy January window awaits — and Villa look ready to make bold moves as they chase Champions League football.