The Senegal international joined the Blues from Villarreal last year and he has developed into a key player for the Blues.

Jackson is an undisputed starter for the west London giants, but things could have been different, had he not been injured at Villarreal.

In a recent interview, Jackson revealed that Emery wanted to sign him shortly after leaving Villarreal to become Villa's manager in late 2022.

Villa were in advanced negotiations with Villarreal for Jackson in January 2023, but a deal did not materialise in the end due to a hamstring injury.

Jackson said: "When Unai left, he wanted me to go to Aston Villa , but I was injured. I wanted to leave because the coach came in.

"I had to go, but I was injured a little bit in my hamstring. We went there, they checked and said I needed one more month and they want me now.

"If they want me in one week, two weeks, I was not ready, so they had to cancel the transfer, and I went back."

The decision has proved a blessing in disguise for Jackson, considering he has become the number one striker for the Blues.

Chelsea are flying high in the second spot in the Premier League while Villa are languishing in sixth with a six-point deficit.

The Blues have a game in hand against Brentford to be played tomorrow.

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