Chelsea’s first-team player is being tipped to exit Stamford Bridge this summer. It turns out that a former Blues star could be at the heart of his transfer negotiations, too.
Many people are fixed on the several incomings at Chelsea this summer. In fact, journalist Fabrizio Romano predicts Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons are likely to join Chelsea.
It is worth remembering that there are plenty of individuals leaving the Blues, too.
Let’s wait and see who else will join the likes of Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Djordje Petrovic out the exit doors.
- READ MORE: How the Ballon d’Or could play huge role in whether Cole Palmer decides to stay at Chelsea
Barcelona lead race for Nicolas Jackson
According to CaughtOffside, Spanish giants and La Liga champions Barcelona are leading the race to sign Chelsea frontman Nicolas Jackson.
It is explained that Barcelona have identified the 24-year-old as the ideal support for legendary striker Robert Lewandowski, 36, at the Camp Nou.
The report adds that Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, is expected to ‘initiate talks’ with Chelsea for Jackson over a one-year loan with an option to buy. Of course, Deco will be familiar to Blues supporters because he won four trophies, including the Premier League title, as a Chelsea player between 2008 and 2010.
Barcelona’s interest in the Blues centre-forward comes at a time when he’s heavily linked with an exit.
Apparently, Jackson would prefer to leave Chelsea during this summer transfer window, with the club asking for £65m to sell him.
Jackson has rejected AC Milan and Napoli because he would prefer to stay in the Premier League. However, could Barcelona tempt the attacker back to Spanish football, where he impressed with Villarreal?
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca described Jackson as “unbelievable” following one of his performances last season, but it feels like he’s blown his chance to be the club’s main man in attack.
What Nicolas Jackson said in his first Chelsea interview
Back in the 2023 summer, Jackson arrived at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal, signing an eight-year contract. Last year, the Senegal international even penned a new deal to extend it by a further two years, which means he’s contracted until 2033.
If we rewind to when he joined the club, it’s pretty clear he’s had a burning desire to succeed in West London.
After signing for the Blues in July 2023, Jackson said via Chelsea’s official website: “I wanted to join a big team and Chelsea is one of the best teams in the world, plus I’ve watched them since I was young… When Chelsea came there was no question in my mind. I always had this kind of team in my mind.”
Even though Jackson has proven himself to be a talented striker, scoring 30 goals in 81 appearances during two seasons at Chelsea, it feels like he may need a fresh start because the competition for places has ramped up. If he stays, we think he could struggle for minutes next term behind Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
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