Nicolas Jackson's Next Club: Four Exciting Transfer Destinations Ranked

Chelsea are prepared to part ways with Nicolas Jackson this summer, though their reported $89 million asking price signals he's not a player the club is looking to offload at a bargain.

The Senegalese international has posted back-to-back double-digit goal tallies in the Premier League, and once appeared destined to become Chelsea's permanent striker solution following a rough yet encouraging first campaign three years ago.

Jackson thrived under Mauricio Pochettino, and while Enzo Maresca denied any serious falling out with the striker, Chelsea's pursuit of Liam Delap and João Pedro last summer frustrated the former Villarreal forward, who spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Jackson returned to West London as a Bundesliga title winner, yet his future remains uncertain. Though the 25-year-old is a handful and clearly valuable to the right club, Chelsea now have João Pedro leading the attack. New addition Danny Welbeck serves as backup, and the third striker spot has been handed to another new face, Emmanuel Emegha. The Blues have little appetite for keeping a disgruntled Jackson, who was omitted from Xabi Alonso's opening matchday squad of the season against Fulham.

Nevertheless, his underlying quality and track record have attracted interest from multiple clubs. Here's how Sports Illustrated rates four potential landing spots, ranked by likelihood and fit.

4. Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are targeting three forwards before the summer window closes. Two of those are expected to be Manchester City pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush, with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo also attracting attention.

Roberto De Zerbi's use of Marmoush will shape how successful his tenure in North London proves to be. He isn't the out-and-out center-forward Spurs fans feel they need, and should Richarlison depart in the coming days, the Lilywhites could turn to a striker of Jackson's mold.

Marmoush should flourish alongside a Jackson-type No. 9. The Chelsea forward stretches backlines while also being capable of dropping deep to link play. He has become remarkably underappreciated by many, largely due to his perceived wastefulness in front of goal.

Spurs fans will recall the somewhat farcical hat-trick Jackson netted against Ange Postecoglou's nine-man side in 2023, and a switch of London allegiances would represent an exceptionally rare direct deal between the two clubs. In fact, only two such transfers have ever occurred, and one of them — backup goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini in 2009 — arrived at Spurs on a free.

History works against this outcome, and rival suitors appear to be further advanced in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

3. Napoli

Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Napoli recently reached out to Jackson's camp regarding a potential transfer.

The Italian title winners from two seasons ago are now under the stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri, who — as he did at Juventus in 2014 — is stepping in as Antonio Conte's successor.

There was no dramatic falling out this time, with both parties going their separate ways on civil terms following a disappointing Serie A title defense.

Jackson fits the profile of striker Allegri favors, given his athleticism and physical presence. The Senegalese forward should also take heart from how smoothly Rasmus Højlund — a Manchester United misfit — has adapted to life in Naples.

With Romelu Lukaku departed and Lorenzo Lucca potentially on his way out, Jackson would battle Højlund for a starting role and have the opportunity to make his mark in the Champions League. Napoli's runners-up finish last season ensures they remain among Europe's elite.

However, Napoli's preference for a loan arrangement means Chelsea would rather see Jackson move to a different destination.

Enable functional cookies to see this feature.

2. Atlético Madrid

Reports from Spain indicate this is Jackson's preferred destination.

The Metropolitano may not carry quite the same prestige as the Bernabéu across town, but Atlético Madrid has cemented itself as one of Europe's most coveted transfer destinations over the past decade.

Atléti have already pulled off a significant coup by landing Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, and further activity could follow right up to the deadline. Much will hinge on the futures of Alexander Sørloth and, crucially, Julián Alvarez, whose desire to join Barcelona has soured relations with a passionate fanbase.

Alvarez's situation is becoming increasingly untenable, while Sørloth may be heading back to Türkiye.

Should at least one of them leave, Atléti would be in urgent need of reinforcement — particularly after bidding an emotional farewell to club icon Antoine Griezmann at the close of last season.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the La Liga outfit are "still pushing" to secure Jackson, but like Napoli, they would prefer a loan structure.

1. Aston Villa

Unai Emery gave Jackson his senior debut at Villarreal in 2021 before the Spaniard was appointed Steven Gerrard's replacement at Villa Park in 2022.

Jackson subsequently secured a $43.6 million transfer to Chelsea the following summer, with Emery later praising the striker's work ethic during his time pushing for a place in the Yellow Submarine's starting lineup.

The two could soon be reunited. Aston Villa are overhauling their squad this summer, and Jackson has emerged as a serious target as Ollie Watkins weighs up a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The Chelsea forward has been earmarked as Watkins's replacement, and the Premier League club are best positioned to meet Chelsea's valuation.

Jackson is a strong fit for Emery's system, given his ability to run in behind. Villa typically operate in a narrow, vertical shape, looking to release the striker darting off the last defender's shoulder.

They are currently leading the race for his signature.