Chelsea may get the chance to double their money on Nicolas Jackson despite the Senegalese slipping down to third-choice in their centre-forward pecking order. Enzo Maresca has welcomed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to Stamford Bridge this summer, casting serious doubt on Jackson’s future at the club.
The Blues paid just under £32million to sign Jackson from Villarreal in 2023. The forward has earned mixed reviews during his time in England, with his finishing often criticised. That, coupled with his current standing in the Chelsea squad, may make it surprising to learn that the London club are in a position to bank double what they originally forked out.
Newcastle United are scouring the market for a striker amid uncertainty around the future of their star centre-forward, Alexander Isak. And Jackson is one of the names on their radar, with The i Paper reporting that ‘preliminary contact’ has already taken place.
The Magpies would reportedly be willing to pay £65million for Jackson, who has scored 30 goals in 81 games across all competitions since landing in England’s top flight. But Chelsea are telling interested clubs, including Newcastle and Manchester United, that they will only let him go for £80m.
Whether the Blues will be in a position to cash in on Jackson remains to be seen. Newcastle also have their eye on other attacking targets such as Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Brentford are believed to have told Newcastle that they will only sell Wissa if they manage to line up his replacement. And Sesko is yet to agree personal terms with the Toon amid rival interest from the Red Devils.
Newcastle still want to start next season with Isak as their primary No.9 but the Swedish international has told the club’s hierarchy that he wants to explore a move away. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal sent a lucrative contract offer but Isak reportedly wants to stay in Europe, which puts Liverpool in pole position.
The Magpies have already been stung once by Liverpool this summer, when their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike was successfully hijacked by the Reds. And lightning could strike twice if Isak gets his wish.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe made it clear before the summer window that he wants St. James’ Park chiefs to act quickly. But, up to this point, Anthony Elanga is the only senior player they have signed, with the Swede completing a £55m move from Nottingham Forest two and a half weeks a go.