Nicolas Jackson is keen to leave Chelsea this summer, talkSPORT understands.
The Senegalese has been the Blues’ first-choice striker for the last two seasons, but is likely to see his game time reduced next term following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
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Nicolas Jackson could leave Chelsea after two seasonsCredit: Getty
Jackson has been offered to the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle after falling down the Stamford Bridge pecking order.
As previously reported, Chelsea value Jackson as an £80million player but may be forced to reduce that price to sell him.
The Blues could also be open to loaning out the 24-year-old, but would likely want an obligation to buy at the end of the deal.
Jackson has been linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge throughout this summer, with Newcastle and Man United touted as possible suitors.
Both those Premier League sides made another striker their top priority, with the Magpies and Red Devils previously locked in a tug-of-war over Benjamin Sesko.
However, Man United won that race with the RB Leipzig forward choosing Old Trafford and his £74m move set to be announced this weekend, leaving Newcastle to continue their hunt for a new frontman.
The Geordies are prepared to reluctantly cash in on want-away talisman Alexander Isak – who has been banished from first-team training – if they land a replacement, but so far their search has not been a success
The Toon have already missed out on a host of other striker targets – losing out to Liverpool for Hugo Ekitike, losing out to Chelsea for both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, and Manchester United again in the race for Bryan Mbeumo.
They could now divert their full attention the capture of Brentford’s Yoanne Wissa, with the 28-year-old currently training alone and pushing for a transfer after leaving the team’s pre-season camp in Portugal.
The Bees have also identified a possible replacement, opening the door for Newcastle to finally sign a striker.
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Sesko was wanted by Newcastle and Man United, and opted to move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
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Wissa now appears to be Newcastle’s main target as they look to finally end their striker chaseCredit: Getty
However, the option for Jackson also remains open with Chelsea willing to cash in and the player also ready to move on.
Alternatively, a move to Aston Villa could be possible with Ollie Watkins another striker on Newcastle’s wanted list.
Villa boss Unai Emery’s previous links to Jackson could also seen the pair reunited at Villa Park as Watkins’ replacement.
The Spaniard coached the Chelsea striker at former club Villarreal and gave him his first-team breakthrough.
Beyond this, several clubs are believed to still be keen on the Senegal international, and are likely to approach Chelsea over him in August.
What has Nicolas Jackson’s Chelsea career looked like?
Last season, Jackson scored 13 goals in all competitions for the Blues, with his numbers prompting the club to look to bolster their attacking options.
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Jackson has struggled to make the No.9 jersey his own at Chelsea
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Joao Pedro scored in Chelsea’s Club World Cup final win, while Jackson was left on the benchCredit: Getty
This led to them splashing out £30m on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, before a further £60m to bring in Joao Pedro from Brighton.
Following the pair’s arrival, Jackson was then left out of Chelsea’s starting line-up for their Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain, leading to further speculation he could leave this summer.
His overall tally for the club stands at 30 goals in 81 appearances since joining from Villareal in 2023.
In his first season in west London, Jackson netted 17 goals in 44 games altogether, 14 of which came in the Premier League.
With Chelsea’s first pre-season fixture against Bayer Leverkusen kicking off on Saturday, fans may soon get their biggest indication of whether Jackson is part of the club’s plans going forward.
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