Facing fierce competition at Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson is preparing to leave Stamford Bridge but intends to stay in the Premier League, targeting Manchester United or Aston Villa.
Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson, signed by Chelsea in summer 2023 for €37 million from Villarreal, is now being pushed out by the club’s management. Having scored 13 goals in 37 games during the 2024-2025 season, he is no longer a main plan at the Blues following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, who reshuffled the team’s offensive options. At 24, Jackson has been encouraged to find a new club but refuses to leave England’s top flight, turning down offers from Italy’s AC Milan and Napoli, convinced he can bounce back in England.
Chelsea values the attacker between £80m and £100m, a high price complicating a direct move. However, an internal Premier League transfer is strongly emerging, with Manchester United and Aston Villa keen on the Senegal international’s profile. The Red Devils, needing a reliable number nine after missing out on targets and offensive struggles, are considering a swap deal involving their young winger Alejandro Garnacho to entice Chelsea. Aston Villa is also interested, though Jackson’s recent hamstring injury may delay the process.
Despite this, some reports suggest the player wants to leave quickly, pressured by sporting circumstances and his sidelining, though he is also ready to stay at Chelsea if no transfer occurs, hoping to regain his top form under coach Enzo Maresca. This saga highlights the summer transfer challenges at Chelsea, where the attack is being reshuffled at the expense of established players, amid a busy English market where the Premier League remains Jackson’s preferred stage.
