Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson
Manchester United’s transfer planning shows no signs of slowing down. The club is entering a crucial phase in shaping its forward line ahead of the new season. With Matheus Cunha already secured, the Old Trafford hierarchy are keeping multiple options open in their pursuit of goals and healthy internal competition. It’s no surprise, then, that names of varying profiles continue to surface.
Rúben Amorim’s side must identify the ideal partner or potential upgrade for Rasmus Højlund, particularly in terms of consistency and efficiency in front of goal. However, with limited financial flexibility, every euro spent must deliver value. That’s why each target is being scrutinised closely. In a league as demanding as the Premier League, United can’t afford missteps, any new signing must make an immediate impact and bring proven quality.
Chelsea open the door to a potential deal
According to French journalist Nabil Djellit via X, Manchester United have made an enquiry for Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson. The 24-year-old appears to have slipped down the pecking order at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, with the arrivals of João Pedro and Liam Delap further limiting his opportunities. Chelsea are reportedly open to letting him leave for around €70 million after the Club World Cup.
Other English clubs, including Aston Villa, have also explored his availability, while Napoli are said to be monitoring the situation from Italy. For United, the key will be determining whether Jackson is a better tactical and financial fit than other attacking targets, most notably Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who remains high on the club’s shortlist due to his consistent goal-scoring record.
Manchester United have added Nicolas Jackson to their shortlist of strikers and Chelsea are prepared to sell the Senegalese striker.
The bottom line: Should United go for Jackson?
Manchester United must keep a cool head when it comes to Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese forward undoubtedly possesses pace, power, and Premier League experience, but his inconsistency makes it difficult to justify a €70 million outlay. At this stage, Bryan Mbeumo should remain the priority. The Cameroonian offers reliable goalscoring, positional versatility, and a proven track record, traits Jackson has yet to demonstrate consistently.
Securing Mbeumo before the pre-season tour of the U.S. would be crucial in giving Rúben Amorim time to assemble and integrate his attacking structure. If Chelsea remain firm on their valuation of Jackson, United should either push for a reduced fee or pursue a loan deal with an option to buy, thereby lowering the risk.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system requires a striker who is hard-working, tactically intelligent, and capable of linking play. While Jackson does exhibit some of those qualities, his failure to deliver in key moments raises valid concerns. With a transfer budget hovering around £100 million, United cannot afford to gamble on uncertain prospects when there are other urgent areas to address.
If a deal for Mbeumo falls through, Jackson could be considered as a backup option but only if the terms become more favourable. Otherwise, more dependable alternatives like Benjamin Šeško or even a free agent such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin offer immediate value and fewer question marks. Jackson has the raw tools, but Old Trafford demands guarantees, not costly experiments.