Nicolas Jackson is considering his options after Chelsea signed two centre-forwards this summer and he has already rejected two moves amid interest from Manchester United
Nicolas Jackson has reportedly rejected offers from Italy because he wants to stay in the Premier League, potentially putting Manchester United in the picture.
Jackson's future at Chelsea has been thrown into doubt after the Blues splashed out a combined £85million to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich. The two new strikers both made an impression during Chelsea's triumphant Club World Cup campaign and Jackson is now considering his options.
It is understood that Jackson's representatives have already met with United chiefs to gauge the interest in a potential transfer this summer. United are in the market for a centre-forward, with Ruben Amorim unconvinced by Rasmus Hojlund.
The Danish striker managed just 10 goals in 52 games across all competitions last season, with just four of those coming in the Premier League. He has been linked with a move back to Serie A, where he previously played for Atalanta, throwing up the possibility of a replacement.
United have signed Matheus Cunha, in a £62.5m move from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo, in a £71m deal from Brentford, but still need a central striker. They have opened a dialogue with Jackson's agent, Ali Barat, and Chelsea would be open to selling for the right price.
The Sun reports that Jackson has vetoed the idea of joining Napoli or AC Milan in the summer transfer window. The Senegal international has no desire to leave the Premier League for Serie A, but there is another potential issue with a move to United.
While willing to sell in theory, Chelsea reportedly value Jackson at around £80m - a price United would struggle to stomach. Although they are close to agreeing exits for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, the club still have Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia in their so-called 'bomb squad'.
United won't play in any European competitions in the upcoming season, which is a serious blow to their finances, and Jackson may simply be out of their price range.
Jackson joined Chelsea for £32m from Villarreal in 2023 and is under contract until June 2033. He has contributed 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 matches for the club, but has fallen down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
The Chelsea manager has grown frustrated with his ill discipline, having seen him sent off twice in his last five matches. Jackson was left on the substitutes' bench for Chelsea's 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final and knows he is far from a guaranteed starter now.