Nicolas Jackson Sets Sights on Dream Move as Chelsea Exit Saga Intensifies
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is said to be focusing on securing a move to Newcastle United during the current transfer window after making the decision to seek an exit from Stamford Bridge.
The additions of Liam Delap and João Pedro, who both found the net in Sunday's 4–1 pre-season victory against AC Milan, have pushed Jackson further down the attacking hierarchy at Chelsea, with the Senegal striker reportedly requesting a departure from the club.
While Chelsea aren't in a hurry to offload Jackson, they're willing to sell for an appropriate fee which, per The Telegraph, would need to be at minimum twice the £32 million ($43 million) they invested to bring him from Villarreal in 2023.
Staying within the Premier League appears to be Jackson's preference. Although Aston Villa have shown interest due to former Villarreal boss Unai Emery's connection, Jackson is reportedly eager to secure a switch to Newcastle during this transfer period.
The Tyneside club does maintain some interest in Jackson but continues to evaluate their striker options and Alexander Isak's situation. Recent claims suggested the Liverpool-linked player was left "angry" after Newcastle's hierarchy told him he wouldn't be departing this summer, though boss Eddie Howe couldn't confirm or refute these reports.
Newcastle, despite insisting Isak won't be sold, continue seeking potential alternatives. They lost out on Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United but maintain interest in Brentford's Yoane Wissa. The Times anticipates a fresh £30 million offer will be made for the forward.
Jackson has been training separately at Chelsea following his exclusion from their two pre-season matches, with discussions reportedly ongoing with several Premier League and European clubs, though a transfer remains uncertain at present.
The 24-year-old has a contract with the Blues running until 2033, giving Chelsea minimal urgency to sell this summer. Reports suggest they would be open to reintegrating Jackson if a suitable offer doesn't materialize.