Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have reportedly added Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson to their list of striker targets as Mikel Arteta pushes for a new frontman ahead of the 2025/26 season. According to journalist Duncan Castles onThe Transfers Podcast, the Gunners are monitoring the 24-year-old alongside other key targets, including Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Ollie Watkins.
Arteta has prioritised signing a striker this summer after Arsenal’s title challenge last season faltered due to a lack of firepower and squad depth. The Gunners are said to be in ongoing talks for Sporting CP’s Gyökeres, who has informed the Portuguese club that he won’t train or play until they honour a €60 million + €10m agreement from the end of last summer’s window.
Arsenal are also in discussions with RB Leipzig’s Šeško, though negotiations have hit a snag over the Slovenian’s request for a release clause, something the Gunners are reluctant to include.
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Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal failed to sign in January with a £60 million bid, remains a long-term target. While Villa rebuffed the mid-season approach, Watkins is reportedly open to a move to the Emirates, especially with Arsenal offering both Champions League football and a realistic shot at the Premier League title.
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson (Image credit: Getty Images)
Nicolas Jackson now appears to be a surprise addition to that list. The Senegal international joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 for £31.8 million and has since scored 30 goals in 80 appearances. However, he has faced criticism for inconsistency and remains one of the more polarising figures in the Chelsea squad.
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With Chelsea already signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal, the Blues are reportedly open to offers for Nicolas Jackson, despite not actively shopping him around. He is not considered an “untouchable” within the squad, and a strong bid from Arsenal or any other suitor could tempt Chelsea into a sale.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are said to be adopting a strategic approach, assessing all options and waiting to strike the deal that offers the best value. Castles noted that Arteta, who favoured a smaller squad last season, is now pushing for greater depth across all areas after injuries and suspensions derailed the team’s title hopes.
“The guidance I have on where Arsenal are is that this broad range of options is deliberate,” Castles said. “They want to ensure they get a centre-forward for Arteta this window and avoid the mistakes of last summer. One of these deals will be done. It’s all about the right financial terms—for the player, for the club, and the deal structure.”
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