Chelsea Football Club has offered their 24-year-old striker Nicolas Jackson to AC Milan, with Manchester United and Newcastle United also expressing interest, as the Blues look to streamline their squad for the 2025-26 Premier League season. Valued at £80 million, Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, could be available for a loan with an obligation to buy, amid a crowded attacking lineup following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro.
With Chelsea’s summer sales already exceeding £200 million and more expected, Jackson’s potential departure marks a significant move in their ongoing transfer strategy.
Chelsea’s decision to offer Nicolas Jackson to AC Milan reflects their intent to balance squad depth and finances after a busy transfer window. The Senegal international, signed for £32 million from Villarreal, has delivered 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances, including 17 Premier League goals last season.
Despite his contributions, Jackson’s position has been challenged by Delap’s emergence and Pedro’s versatility, coupled with disciplinary issues, including red cards against Newcastle and Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
AC Milan, who previously signed Chelsea players like Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori, view Jackson as a dynamic addition to their attack, though their sporting director has baulked at the £80 million to £100 million valuation, preferring a loan with a buy obligation.
Manchester United’s interest in Jackson stems from their need for a proven Premier League striker, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee facing uncertain futures.
The Red Devils have held talks with Jackson’s representative, Ali Barat, exploring a potential swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, who Chelsea admire.
United’s focus on players with top-flight experience makes Jackson, with 34 goal involvements over two seasons, an attractive option, though their financial constraints after signing Bryan Mbeumo for £71 million may limit their ability to meet Chelsea’s £80 million demand.
A loan-to-buy arrangement could suit United, especially as Jackson reportedly prefers to stay in the Premier League.
Newcastle United see Jackson as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who is linked with Liverpool for £110 million.
The Magpies, valuing Jackson at £65 million, have made preliminary contact with Chelsea, but their reluctance to meet the £80 million price tag could hinder negotiations. Jackson’s counter-attacking prowess, evidenced by his league-leading ball carries per Footovision data, aligns with Eddie Howe’s direct style, complementing players like Anthony Elanga.
However, Newcastle’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with an €80 million bid, may take precedence, positioning Jackson as a fallback if Šeško joins Manchester United or stays with Leipzig.
The possibility of a loan with an obligation to buy has gained traction, particularly for AC Milan, who face budget constraints after failing to secure Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
Barcelona have also emerged as contenders, eyeing Jackson as a backup for Robert Lewandowski, with sporting director Deco planning talks for a one-year loan with a buy option.
Jackson, however, has rejected offers from Milan and Napoli, expressing a desire to remain in England, where he feels he has “unfinished business.”
His 8-year contract with Chelsea, signed in 2023, gives the Blues leverage, but Enzo Maresca’s squad overhaul, with over £200 million in sales including Jadon Sancho and Đorđe Petrović, suggests openness to lucrative offers.
Chelsea’s transfer strategy, aiming for £300 million to £350 million in total sales, includes moving other forwards like Noni Madueke, now at Arsenal for £52 million, and Raheem Sterling, valued at £20 million.
Jackson’s potential exit, whether to Manchester United, Newcastle, or abroad, hinges on suitors meeting Chelsea’s valuation or agreeing to a structured deal.
Fans have mixed sentiments, with some praising Jackson’s raw talent and others questioning his consistency. His departure could fund further signings, with Chelsea linked to Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato. As the transfer window progresses, Jackson’s next move will shape both his career and Chelsea’s ambitious rebuild.
