Nicolas Jackson is free to leave Chelsea amid interest from Newcastle United.
Newcastle are interested in Jackson as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, although they may not match his valuation at Stamford Bridge. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that there is a “real chance” Jackson could move to Newcastle.
Chelsea want £80million for Jackson, who scored ten Premier League goals last season.
Newcastle are not fully convinced about Jackson and it’s easy to see why when compared to Isak.
The Senegal forward is clearly a very good player but has never shown he’s capable of reaching Isak’s level. The Sweden star is one of the best forwards in the world, scoring 45 Premier League goals in two seasons.
Jackson, meanwhile, has 24 in 65 appearances since joining the Blues from Villarreal in 2023.
Chelsea are open to selling Jackson this summer and manager Enzo Maresca went even more public when speaking about the situation on Friday.
Nicolas Jackson wearing sunglasses and biting his Europa Conference League winners' medal.
Photo by Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Chelsea confirm Nicolas Jackson can leave
Maresca has previously sounded somewhat cryptic, suggesting that “anything can happen” when talking about the striker’s future.
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On Friday, however, the Italian was rather more forthright. With Liam Delap and Joao Pedro signed, there appears to be little room for Jackson in the Chelsea squad.
Indeed, Maresca said: “You know the situation already. The transfer window is open. He can leave, and we’ll see.”
Enzo Maresca on Nico Jackson’s exit: “He is training with us but he is not going to be involved. You know the situation already”.
“The window transfer is open. He can leave, and we'll see”. pic.twitter.com/UikRyH35rZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2025
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How Nicolas Jackson feels about joining Newcastle United
Jackson is open to joining Newcastle this summer, with St James’ Park seen as his ideal destination if he were to remain in the Premier League.
There’s nothing to suggest the 24-year-old would be a bad signing by any means. He’s an obvious talent and Eddie Howe would surely back himself to improve the player.
2024/25 Premier League statistics Nicolas Jackson Alexander Isak
Games 30 34
Goals 10 23
Assists 5 6
Shots/90 2.5 2.9
Key passes/90 0.9 1.2
Aerial duels won/90 0.7 0.8
Nicolas Jackson’s 2024/25 Premier League stats compared to Alexander Isak, data via WhoScored
Still, as an Isak replacement, he’d leave a lot to be desired. Replacing the Sweden star may be nigh on impossible for Newcastle but Jackson does look a few levels below right now.
If Newcastle are not fully convinced in the player, there’s little point in committing what would no doubt be a huge fee to sign him.