One Chelsea star could get a move to Napoli before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea are still hoping to offload a whole host of players while the market remains open, with the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell all still at the club.
The trio were absent for the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League last Sunday.
It has been reported that Jackson is on Aston Villa’s shortlist, but a move to Villa Park may not be the striker’s only option.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton
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Napoli set for Nicolas Jackson talks
AC Milan have been heavily linked with Jackson, but the 24-year-old could end up joining another Serie A side this summer.
According to The Telegraph, Italian champions Napoli are close to Jackson’s camp and are expected to hold talks over a potential transfer.
Last month, it was claimed that Jackson had already rejected Napoli, as he would prefer to stay in the Premier League.
But if neither Villa nor Newcastle United come in for him, the Senegal international may not have any other choice but to move to Italy if he wants regular game time this season.
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Newcastle are also thought to be interested in Jackson as their Alexander Isak situation rumbles on. It is being reported that Newcastle are seriously thinking about signing Jackson.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea celebrates his side's first goal
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Romelu Lukaku’s role in Napoli’s potential move for Nicolas Jackson
If Chelsea are able to offload Jackson to Napoli, they may have their former striker Romelu Lukaku to thank.
Napoli’s search for a new centre-forward comes after an injury to the Belgium international. Jackson could now be brought in to replace him.
While Jackson may now be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, he is still a player with a lot of talent.
In an interview with talkSPORT last year, Villarreal director of football Miguel Angel Tena hailed Jackson as “exceptional”.
Chelsea, though, clearly want to head in a different direction after signing both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.