Can Nicolas Jackson play against Arsenal on Monday? Aston Villa record signing eyes dream debut

Aston Villa will hope that new club-record signing Nicolas Jackson can make a heroic arrival when they take on Arsenal.

The Europa League winners are desperate to bounce back from their shocking 4-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League last weekend.

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Villa, who sit rock-bottom of the table, next welcome holders Arsenal in a bank holiday Monday night clash, live on talkSPORT.

But before kick-off at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side are set to welcome Jackson in a £65million deal from Chelsea.

The Senegal international worked under Emery when they were at Villarreal and will become his new club’s record arrival.

Can Jackson play against Arsenal?

In order for Jackson to be made available for selection, Villa had to get all the necessary registration completed by midday on Friday.

And talkSPORT understands that they were able to do so, meaning that Jackson CAN PLAY against Arsenal.

Villa are yet to have officially announced the 25-year-old’s arrival, but he could be in line to make his debut in front of a home crowd.

Jackson’s signing will allow Ollie Watkins to complete a £51m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Watkins is understood to have been pushing for a move, despite Villa being reluctant to sell him this summer.

He was not part of the squad that were beaten by Brighton in their first league match on Sunday.

Watkins is set to leave Villa after six seasons at the club, during which he scored 108 goals in 278 appearances.

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Villa and Chelsea transfer deals this summer

Jackson is one of a handful of players to have transferred between Villa and Chelsea throughout the window.

Morgan Rogers was the first as he joined Chelsea in a record £117m transfer, and he scored on his debut during a 3-2 win over Fulham.

Alejandro Garnacho has left Stamford Bridge for Villa in a loan deal for the 2026/27 season.

However, Villa have a conditional obligation to buy the winger next summer, and the total package is understood to be £42m.

Emi Martinez is on course to join Chelsea as a new goalkeeper option.

A £7.5m deal has been agreed with Villa for the 33-year-old, who will sign a two-year deal.