Aston Villa could be set for an important transfer window when the market re-opens in January as newly-appointed manager Unai Emery will surely want to make his own personal mark on the squad he has inherited at Villa Park.
The Villans are currently 12th in the Premier League table as it stands after an inconsistent start to the campaign, however, now that the former Arsenal boss is holding the reins at the club there will surely be a lot to look forward to for the supporters.
Steven Gerrard had a clear-out of forwards before he left the club with Bertrand Traore, Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet all sent packing from the Midlands club in the summer, so his successor will have the opportunity to strengthen the final third of the pitch with his own signings.
One player who has been linked with a move to Villa Park and is extremely familiar with Emery’s football philosophy is Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.
It has been reported that Emery is keen to bring Jackson, a player possessing a £27m release clause, into the fold of his new squad and the talented attacker could make an instant impact if the club can get a deal done next month.
Over 13 La Liga appearances this season, the Villarreal sensation has scored two goals, delivered two assists, created four big chances and completed 58% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 1.2 shots on goal and winning 2.2 duels per game.
The Senegalese international has earned high praise over his career so far with Senegal U20 coach Youssouph Dabo taking the time to lavish compliments on Jackson:
“He is a good profile with technical qualities who also tends to put on a show,” Dabo said.
Not only that, Emery could land an Ollie Watkins clone by acquiring the 21-year-old, with the Villa goal machine named as the fifth most comparable player to Jackson over the last 12 months, according to FBRef.
The two forwards share many similarities in their output over this season including goals scored (2 v 2), pass completion rate (71.5% v 71.1%), shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.22 v 2.38), tackles won (6 v 6) and shots per 90 minutes (1.87 v 2.07).
With that being said, the signing of Jackson could be a great piece of business. Indeed, the player has already thrived under the familiar management of Emery with the manager’s style of play and tactics surely something that would help him make an instant impact for Villa.
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