Man Utd & AC Milan - Five Nicolas Jackson transfer options with Chelsea exit 'likely'

Nicolas Jackson’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain with it now increasingly likely that he will depart Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks. Jackson has split opinion amongst the Blues faithful since arriving from Villareal with his potential often weighted against his erraticness. The 24-year-old has netted 30 goals in 81 appearances for the West London club but he’s fallen down the pecking order this summer. The arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro means Jackson isn’t guaranteed to be Chelsea’s first-choice number nine with Brazilian international Pedro likely to start the season leading the line.

David Ornstein has reported that Chelsea are ‘not desperate’ to sell Jackson this summer but he’s amassed potential suitors amongst Premier League and European clubs. It’s understood that some clubs will move for Jackson if they can’t secure their priority targets, while others will pursue the Senegalese international regardless. It’s understood that Chelsea value Jackson in excess of €80m and that asking price will likely deter a host of potential suitors. Therefore, we’ve examined five potential transfer destinations for Jackson this summer - either in a permanent deal or on loan.

Five potential Nicolas Jackson transfer destinations

Manchester United

Manchester United want to sign a new striker this summer with Benjamin Sesko their main target. The RB Leipzig striker would cost in excess of €80 million and there’s been no indication so far that Man United are willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s asking price. Newcastle United have submitted an offer close to Leipzig’s valuation and Old Trafford chiefs could turn their attention to alternative targets - if they view Sesko’s asking price as prohibitive. Ollie Watkins was previously identified as an alternative to Sesko but Man United have also been linked with Jackson this summer.

Newcastle United

As referenced above, Newcastle are in the driving seat to sign Sesko as they are the only club to submit an offer close to RB Leipzig’s demands. Any potential interest in Jackson would only materialise if Sesko decides against moving to St James Park. Newcastle have money to spend this summer but they’ve already been rebuffed by several top targets. If Newcastle can’t entice their priority target to the North East then they could look at Jackson. It’s been reported that Chelsea have already offered Jackson to Newcastle this summer and a deal could be agreed as the Magpies need to add another striker to their ranks.

AC Milan

Like Newcastle, AC Milan have also been offered the chance to sign Jackson this summer but the Italian giants wouldn’t be able to afford a permanent deal. Serie A clubs’ general preference is to initially loan players and include buy-options in the deal. Chelsea, however, want any future clause to be an obligation to buy rather than an option and that could complicate negotiations with AC Milan. Massimiliano Allegri has returned to I Rossoneri, tasked with reviving the fallen giants after they missed out on European football qualification last season. Santiago Gimenez is currently the only recognised striker in AC Milan’s squad and Jackson would provide an upgrade on the Mexican international.

Juventus

Juventus are the most decorated club in Italy with 36 Scuddettos in their history but they haven’t won the title since 2020 - which was their ninth in a row. The Old Lady have stumbled in recent years and they’ve been one of the worst run clubs in Europe, regularly making glaring mistakes in the transfer window. Juventus, however, secured Champions League qualification on the final day of last season and they’ll be desperate to close the gap to Napoli and Inter Milan next season. Juve have already strengthened their striking department with the arrival of Jonathan David on a free transfer but they want to add another attacker with Dusan Vlahovic’s future uncertain. Randal Kolo Muani is their priority target after an impressive loan spell but Jackson has been linked as a possible alternative.

Aston Villa

It’s been a very quiet window so far at Aston Villa as they are under pressure due to PSR regulations. Missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the Premier League was a massive blow for Villa and has severely restricted their ability to spend this summer. Unai Emery’s men have only spent €7m on Yasin Ozcan and future arrivals will be dependent on sales. Watkins remains the only recognised striker on Villa’s books and they need to provide competition to the England international. They’ve not replaced Jhon Duran but Jackson worked under Emery at Villareal and a reunion could be on the cards. The financial complications around the deal would make it unlikely, however, unless Watkins was to move on.