Man United Enters Fierce Three-Club Battle for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson as Blues' Position Emerges

Manchester United are among three clubs "keeping an eye on" Nicolas Jackson's circumstances following Chelsea's choice to acquire two additional forwards during the summer transfer window.

The Senegal striker has experienced two promising yet inconsistent campaigns with Chelsea since his 2023 arrival, though his regular starting position is now at risk due to the additions of João Pedro and Liam Delap.

Pedro joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £60 million ($80.5 million) deal and quickly made his mark at the FIFA Club World Cup, netting three goals in three matches. Delap also found the back of the net for his debut Chelsea strike at the competition after his £30 million ($40.3 million) transfer from Ipswich Town.

Jackson is now confronted with increased competition for playing time in the 2025–26 season, sparking rumors about his future prospects at Stamford Bridge. Reports from The Times suggest Manchester United are observing the striker's circumstances and contemplating a potential approach.

Chelsea aren't "proactively seeking to offload Jackson" but he's no longer considered an "indispensable" player within the club's bloated roster. Consequently, a substantial bid for the number nine could prove irresistible for the Blues. AC Milan and Aston Villa have also expressed interest in Jackson and may enter the bidding war.

United have already secured Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million ($83.9 million) and might invest further in Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. Nevertheless, the Red Devils arguably require a traditional striker as well, after an abysmal 2024–25 season in terms of goalscoring.

Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee both failed to deliver as attacking options and neither can be relied upon for substantial improvement next season. United had been connected with Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres as a potential answer, but Arsenal seem poised to secure that signing.