Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson emerges as a surprise target for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has been left in a dilemma following the recent developments at the club.
The north Londoners have lost playmaker James Maddison to an ACL injury, which is expected to keep him out for around six to seven months, and also parted ways with captain Son Heung-min, who joined MLS club Los Angeles FC earlier this week. Additionally, Dominic Solanke has been nursing a minor ankle injury that has forced him to sit out of recent pre-season friendlies, leaving Thomas Frank bereft of options up front.
As a result, Richarlison has led the Tottenham attack in recent pre-season fixtures, including the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on Thursday evening. The Brazilian has done well in these games, and most importantly, kept himself fit. However, there are no guarantees over Richarlison’s fitness as evidenced by his injury record over three seasons at the club.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham
Tottenham are showing interest in signing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson
The 28-year-old’s persistent injury problems, combined with his inconsistent displays, means the club bosses are open to offloading him this summer. And they have also identified the Brazil international’s potential replacement if he departs amid concrete interest from Palmeiras.
Tottenham could enter race for Chelsea forward if Richarlison departs
Now, according to a report from The Telegraph, Tottenham could enter transfer race for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson if they manage to ship off Richarlison.
The Senegal international’s future at Stamford Bridge looks bleak after Chelsea signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro over the summer, with the new centre-forwards impressing during the Club World Cup triumph.
The 24-year-old, who signed from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for the Pensioners, but has come under much criticism for a lack of composure in front of goal, while his indiscipline (two red cards in his last five games) have not helped his cause.
Tottenham forward Richarlison is wanted by Palmeiras
Nicolas Jackson has reportedly informed Chelsea that he wants to leave this summer, which gives Spurs a great opportunity to pounce on him, even though Newcastle United remain one of his top suitors. The African attacker is far from a ruthless goalscorer, but he does really get into great goalscoring positions, which speak volumes about the timing of his smart runs and movements. Blessed with pace, engine and physicality, he would suit Thomas Frank’s system that plays with speed and dynamism on the counter.
However, as per reports, Chelsea are demanding an eye-watering £80m to sell Jackson this summer. It is a ludicrous valuation and Spurs will not be looking to splash that much. If the Blues come down in the range £50-60m range, Tottenham may then think of striking a deal for the Senegalese. Most importantly, Daniel Levy must offload Richarlison before going for the out-of-favour Chelsea forward.