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Chelsea have no plans to offload Nicolas Jackson at a discount heading into next season, despite the striker having endured a disappointing loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Jackson eventually completed his move to the Bundesliga giants last summer—after an initial deal fell through—on loan with a conditional purchase obligation. In practice, the conditions required to trigger that obligation were never realistically achievable.
Jackson was required to start 40 matches across the Bundesliga and Champions League combined, which would have activated a €65 million (£56.3 million, $76.1 million) permanent deal. Competing for a starting spot in a single-striker setup alongside Harry Kane was always going to be a tall order and, with only a few games remaining in the loan, the Senegal international has managed just 13 qualifying starts.
His scoring record when measured against his minutes played is actually respectable. In the Bundesliga, Jackson's seven goals have arrived at a rate of one every 121 minutes. In the Champions League, the frequency improves slightly, with a goal every 101 minutes on the pitch.
That may be why Chelsea are holding firm on a high asking price. The Athletic reports that "up to £60 million" ($81.1 million) is what the Blues believe the 24-year-old is worth in the current market. That figure is broadly in line with what Arsenal spent on Viktor Gyökeres last summer.
Chelsea supporters may wonder why Jackson cannot simply remain at Stamford Bridge. Aside from a concerning disciplinary record on the pitch last season, he has netted 24 Premier League goals across two campaigns. If the club's leadership views him as a high-value asset, the question becomes why they can't simply keep using him.
Whoever Chelsea bring in as their new manager this summer may have a say in the matter. Other variables could also play a role, with Liam Delap already being linked with a departure after a single underwhelming season, which could open the door for Jackson to reclaim a more prominent role.
Ultimately, Chelsea need the proceeds from a sale to generate funds that can be reinvested. The club recently posted the largest financial loss in Premier League history when their 2024–25 accounts were released. Chelsea were only in the black the previous year due to the sale of their women's team to themselves—an accounting maneuver not recognized by UEFA and since closed off by the Premier League as well.
Although the club has featured in the Champions League this season, the likely absence of that competition's lucrative revenue in 2026–27 will only deepen their financial difficulties. Chelsea also generate less matchday income than rivals such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, and have played the majority of recent matches without a front-of-shirt sponsor.
Selling Jackson for a strong fee won't resolve all of that, but it could be an important piece of the financial puzzle.
Potential Destinations for Nicolas Jackson
The bigger challenge beyond setting a price is actually identifying a willing buyer.
Jackson has never been a prolific scorer, and his Bayern Munich loan illustrates the backup role he would occupy at any top-tier club. When a player is being signed to a supporting function, it immediately lowers what the purchasing club is prepared to spend. Conversely, the clubs where Jackson might be a consistent starter tend not to be the ones with the deepest pockets.
Even within the Premier League, £60 million ($81.1 million) would set a new transfer record for the majority of clubs. Aston Villa could be one option, potentially in need of fresh attacking reinforcements and with funds available, particularly if a bigger club moves for attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers.
At Newcastle United, Nick Woltemade is being linked with a quick return to the Bundesliga, which would leave a vacancy up front. Fellow striker Yoane Wissa has been among the most disappointing signings in Premier League history, while the Magpies could also raise funds through the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Tottenham Hotspur are another possibility, given their need for a change in direction—though only if they avoid relegation.
On the European front, Napoli or Atlético Madrid could be interested in Jackson—the Spanish side are set to lose Antoine Griezmann, while several top clubs are keeping a close eye on Julián Alvarez. A vacancy could also emerge at Galatasaray should Victor Osimhen be lured away, which has been rumored as a possibility.
Chelsea's most realistic option could be another loan arrangement—with a fee attached—though that would not generate significant income and merely delays the issue. That path might at least bring AC Milan, Juventus or Marseille into consideration.
The most straightforward route to a lucrative deal for both Chelsea and Jackson could be the Saudi Pro League, where Al Ittihad have yet to find a replacement for Karim Benzema following his abrupt departure in February.