Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson supposedly wants to remain in the Premier League this summer if he is to leave the Blues.
The Senegal international was starting to come into his own under Enzo Maresca last season, but he has now been bumped down the pecking order by new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
As a result, Jackson is understood to be exploring his options for a move away from Stamford Bridge, and head coach Enzo Maresca has refused to close the door on an exit for the former Villarreal man.
A move to Serie A has been persistently mooted for Jackson, while Bayern Munich are understood to have submitted an enquiryas they pursue replacements for the injured Jamal Musiala.
However, The Sun claims that Jackson's preference is to remain in the English top flight, although Chelsea could price any interested teams out of a move.
Chelsea 'demanding £70m-£80m' for wantaway Jackson
Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson in action on January 25, 2025
The Blues supposedly want at least £70m and potentially as much as £80m for the 24-year-old, more than double the £32.1m they paid Villarreal to bring him to West London in the summer of 2023.
Italian suitors Napoli and AC Milan are likely to baulk at Chelsea's asking price, while Bayern would be unlikely to bow to their demands after forking out £65.5m to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool.
The Blues have no need to accept a cut-price fee for Jackson, as the striker is still under contract at Stamford Bridge for another eight years, having signed an extension last September.
The Senegalese striker has managed 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 matches for the Blues in all competitions, including 10 strikes and five helpers from 30 Premier League games last term.
However, Jackson made just three appearances for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, where his most noteworthy contribution was a red card in a group-stage loss to Flamengo.
Which Premier League clubs could Jackson join?
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson in action in October 2024.
Jackson may yet get his Premier League wish if Chelsea relent on their demands, as at least two European clubs are still in pursuit of a new centre-forward, including Newcastle United.
The Magpies lost out in the race for Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, who were also linked with Jackson at one stage, but the former Villarreal centre-forward is believed to be a viable option for the Magpies.
However, Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani and Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic are also on Newcastle's radar, and the latter could even be available on a free if the Old Lady terminate his contract.
Alternatively, Aston Villa - who are seeking backup and competition for Ollie Watkins - have supposedly also expressed an interest in Jackson, who was managed by Lions boss Unai Emery at Villarreal.
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