Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson wanted by 4 clubs as Manchester United face stern competition: Reports
Chelsea hitman Nicolas Jackson is reportedly the subject of interest of four clubs, including Manchester United. The Senegal international has been at Stamford Bridge since the summer of 2023 after arriving from Villarreal.
Jackson, 23, is coming off a modest 2024-25 campaign for the Blues, registering 13 goals and five assists in 34 games across competitions. Ten of those goals and all five assists came in 30 outings in the Premier League, where Enzo Maresca's side finished fourth to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
However, Jackson scored just once in his last 15 league games, with his future at the Blues now reportedly up in the air following Liam Delap's arrival from relegated Ipswich Town. As per SPTC (via Chelsea News), apart from Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Athletic Madrid are interested in Jackson's services.
Writer Simon Phillip wrote on Substack about Jackson's situation:
'Chelsea do like Jackson, but there has been a desire to upgrade him and bring more competition in. They believe that he doesn’t have enough to lead Chelsea in the Champions League right now so have looked to bring in others. In terms of a selling standpoint, they will very much listen to any offers that come in without actively pushing to sell him.
"And on the player side, he has been unhappy this season for various reasons, mainly due to what he feels has been unfair criticism and abuse from his own fans. However, at this moment he has not yet communicated a desire to leave, although that could soon happen. Chelsea have not yet told him to find a new club and are unlikely to do so."
Delap has arrived at Stamford Bridge on a six-year deal, with the Blues activating his £30m release clause.
Chelsea and Manchester United: Season Recap
Chelsea and Manchester United experienced contrasting fortunes in the recently concluded 2024-25 season. While the Blues struggled for consistency in the Premier League, they finished fourth to return to the UEFA Champions League.
Despite struggling in both domestic cups, Maresca's side flourished in Europe, creating history with their 4-1 come-from-behind win over Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
It made the Blues the first side to win European club football's three major cup competitions, having won the Champions League twice and the UEFA Europa League twice.
Meanwhile, Manchester United endured their worst season in five decades, finishing a lowly 15th in the league. A 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final means they will be without European football next season.
