Arsenal - Andrea Berta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been linked with a dramatic late-window move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson this summer.
The 24-year-old Senegal international is understood to be open to a cross-London switch, as Chelsea’s recent spending spree has cast doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners’ interest was first revealed by The Times journalist Duncan Castles on The Transfers Podcast, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his forward line before the September 1 deadline.
Arsenal, who already secured a £55 million deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres earlier this summer, are seeking additional depth following Kai Havertz’s knee injury, which will keep the German sidelined for several weeks.
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Jackson, valued at around £60 million, has been identified as a versatile forward who can play centrally or on the wing, fitting seamlessly into Arteta’s tactical demands.
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson (Image credit: Getty Images)
The striker’s position at Chelsea has weakened following the arrivals of Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, pushing him down the pecking order under head coach Enzo Maresca. His red card in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Flamengo added to growing speculation about his exit. Earlier reports suggested Arsenal had initially dismissed an approach for Jackson while prioritising Gyokeres, indicating that the current talks mark a significant change in strategy.
Despite registering 30 goals in 80 appearances for Chelsea since his £32 million move from Villarreal in 2023, Jackson’s finishing has been criticised, with former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel claiming he “should not be at Chelsea.” Still, his pace, physicality, and work rate are said to have impressed Arteta, who believes Arsenal’s system could help refine his attacking output.
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Chelsea’s openness to talks, reported by The Athletic, is understood to be driven by their need to balance the books after another busy window. Although Jackson is contracted until 2033, he is no longer viewed as indispensable.
The potential move has divided opinion among Arsenal supporters, with some excited about his raw potential and others wary of his inconsistency. Arsenal’s recent dealings with Chelsea, including Noni Madueke’s £52 million transfer, have been cited as evidence of smooth relations between the two clubs.
However, Arsenal face competition. Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and AC Milan are all monitoring the striker’s situation, according to Sky Sports and FootballTransfers. Newcastle’s interest could depend on Alexander Isak’s future, while Villa’s pursuit is influenced by Unai Emery’s familiarity with Jackson from their time together at Villarreal.
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