Nicolas Jackson Chelsea transfer latest as three-way battle emerges after Enzo Maresca admission

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson looks set to leave the club before the end of the transfer window, but his potential destination is not yet clear.

It has been confirmed by head coach Enzo Maresca that the forward will not be included in the Chelsea squad for this weekend’s Premier League clash against West Ham United. “He is available but he's not going to be part of the squad because, as we already said, we have two strikers, we have two players in that position and also we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes,” Maresca said.

That statement has only increased speculation around the striker’s future. Several clubs have been linked with an interest including Premier League duo Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

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Fabrizio Romano now reports that Jackson is ‘definitely set’ to leave Chelsea before the end of the window. There seems to be a three-way battle for the Senegal international.

Newcastle and Bayern Munich are reported to have again contacted Chelsea over a potential move over the last couple of days. Villa are also said to be pushing for a transfer which would see the player reunited with his former manager Unai Emery.

It is reported that Chelsea are looking for a fee of around £60 million if they are to sell Jackson this summer. If any of the three clubs reach that is still to be seen.

One option could be a loan move with a possible option or obligation to buy at the end of the season included. Chelsea would however prefer a permanent deal for the striker.

Jackson has been with the Blues since joining from Villarreal for a fee of around £32 million in the summer of 2023. In his two seasons with the club he has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances in all competitions.