Atletico Madrid are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson on loan as the Premier League club continues efforts to reduce the size of its squad before the summer transfer window deadline.
Jackson has attracted interest from several clubs, including Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli, but Atletico have emerged as the leading contenders for the Senegal international’s signature.
Chelsea are understood to value the 25-year-old at around £65 million and had been open to a permanent sale. However, Atletico’s proposed loan agreement would allow Jackson to leave Stamford Bridge while potentially securing a permanent transfer at the end of the 2026/27 season.
Spanish outlet COPE reported that Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany travelled to London on Thursday to work on completing the agreement. The proposed deal is expected to include either an option or obligation to buy Jackson next summer, although the final structure and conditions are still being negotiated.
Jackson joined CHELSEA from Villarreal in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the club’s principal attacking options. His pace, movement and ability to operate across the front line have made him an attractive target for clubs seeking additional firepower.
His future has nevertheless become uncertain amid Chelsea’s extensive squad restructuring. The west London club have continued to invest heavily in their playing group, creating pressure to move on players who are not guaranteed regular first-team football.
A move to Atletico would give Jackson an opportunity to continue his development in La Liga while competing for a place in Diego Simeone’s attack. Atletico are understood to be keen to strengthen their forward options and see Jackson as a player capable of adding pace and physicality to their frontline.
For CHELSEA, the proposed arrangement could provide a route towards a significant future transfer fee while immediately freeing up space in the squad. If the agreement contains an obligation to buy, the club could also have greater certainty over Jackson’s long-term departure.
The involvement of Alemany in negotiations underlines Atletico’s determination to complete the transfer before the deadline. With talks reportedly advancing in London, the remaining details will need to be resolved before the deal can be formally confirmed.
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