Market Value: €50 million
Nicolas Jackson’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain as his departure from Stamford Bridge seems increasingly likely in the coming weeks. Since arriving from Villarreal, Jackson has received mixed reactions from Blues supporters, with his potential often weighed against his inconsistency. The 24-year-old has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the West London club but has seen his standing diminish this summer. The signings of Liam Delap and João Pedro mean Jackson is no longer guaranteed to be Chelsea’s first-choice striker, with Brazilian international Pedro likely taking that role this season.
David Ornstein has reported that Chelsea are not desperate to sell Jackson this summer; however, he is attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe. Some teams may pursue Jackson if they fail to land their preferred targets, while others are interested regardless. Chelsea reportedly values him at over €80 million, a figure that could deter many potential buyers. Below, we explore five possible destinations for Jackson this summer, whether through a permanent transfer or a loan.
Five Potential Transfer Destinations for Nicolas Jackson
1. Manchester United
Manchester United is seeking to acquire a new striker this summer, with Benjamin Sesko as their primary target. However, with Sesko’s price tag exceeding €80 million and no indication that United is willing to meet it, they may look for alternatives if they perceive Sesko’s cost as excessive. Ollie Watkins was previously considered, but Jackson has also emerged as a viable option for the club this summer.
2. Newcastle United
Newcastle is currently the frontrunner to secure Sesko, having made the only offer close to RB Leipzig’s expectations. Interest in Jackson may arise again only if Sesko opts against joining St James’ Park. With funds available, Newcastle is looking to bolster their squad after facing rejections from several top targets. It has been reported that Chelsea has already presented Jackson to Newcastle this summer, as the Magpies aim to add depth to their attacking options.
3. AC Milan
AC Milan has also been given the opportunity to sign Jackson this summer, but the club is unlikely to afford a permanent deal. Generally, Serie A teams prefer to loan players with buy-option clauses. However, Chelsea prefers any future agreement to stipulate an obligation to buy, which might complicate negotiations with the Rossoneri. With Massimiliano Allegri back at the helm, tasked with reviving the team after last season’s failure to qualify for European competitions, Jackson could provide a much-needed upgrade to their attacking line, which currently relies solely on Santiago Gimenez.
4. Juventus
Juventus, Italy’s most successful club with 36 Scudettos, has not won the title since 2020 and has been struggling in recent years, often making notable errors in their transfer strategies. Having secured a return to the Champions League, they are eager to close the gap with Napoli and Inter Milan. While they have already enhanced their attack with Jonathan David’s arrival, they are still in search of another forward, particularly with Dusan Vlahovic’s future in doubt. Randal Kolo Muani is their primary target, but Jackson is being considered as an alternative.
5. Aston Villa
Aston Villa has had a relatively quiet transfer window, constrained by Financial Fair Play regulations. Missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the season has severely limited their spending ability. Having only invested €7 million in Yasin Ozcan so far, any future signings will depend on player sales. With Ollie Watkins as the only recognized striker, Villa will need to bolster their options. Although Jackson previously worked under Unai Emery at Villarreal, financial challenges could hinder this reunion unless Watkins departs.
