Manchester United Eye Striker as Chelsea Prepare for New Arrivals | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson’s Future in Doubt Amid New Arrivals

Chelsea’s summer transfer plans are once again shaping up to be a headline-grabbing affair. After already securing Liam Delap for £30m, the club is set to target another top striker in Hugo Ekitike. This pursuit has far-reaching implications, with Manchester United reportedly eyeing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who may be shown the door if both Delap and Ekitike arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s Striker Plans: Delap, Ekitike, and the Impact on Jackson

Chelsea’s recent signing of Liam Delap, confirmed on Wednesday night, seemed to suggest that the club was bolstering its attacking options with the 22-year-old. However, in a twist, Delap’s place in the starting lineup could soon be under threat from Hugo Ekitike, who is currently in talks with the Blues. According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea is pushing to finalise personal terms with the French striker, who has also been a target for Liverpool.

Photo IMAGO

Should Ekitike join Chelsea, the Frenchman is expected to become a starter, relegating Delap to a backup role before he’s even kicked a ball for the club. But it doesn’t end there, another player’s future at Stamford Bridge is now in question: Nicolas Jackson.

Reports suggest that Jackson’s future with Chelsea could be in jeopardy if both Delap and Ekitike arrive. According to Chelsea reporter Si Phillips, Manchester United are ready to make a move for the Senegalese forward, who has been linked with a potential departure. “Nicolas Jackson could be sold if Delap AND Ekitike arrive,” Phillips confirmed. For Chelsea, this would free up space for new additions while recouping funds from Jackson’s sale.

Manchester United’s Interest in Jackson

Manchester United has long been in the market for a new striker, and Jackson represents a cost-effective option. Having struggled to secure the services of top targets like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, United may turn to Jackson, whose Premier League experience and lower transfer cost could make him an appealing choice.

The Red Devils are reportedly planning to sell Rasmus Højlund and replace him with a new No 9. In this scenario, Jackson could slot into the side as a viable attacking option alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who are expected to occupy the No 10 roles.

Despite Jackson’s flashes of brilliance at Chelsea since his £32m move from Villarreal, he has been far from a consistent success. While he has scored 30 goals in 78 appearances, his struggles with the offside trap and his wastefulness in front of goal have hindered his impact. Chelsea’s continued pursuit of two new strikers, Delap and Ekitike, suggests that they are not fully convinced by Jackson’s potential, which may pave the way for his departure.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Implications and Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy

If Jackson is sold, Chelsea could recoup a substantial sum, adding to the £30m already spent on Delap. However, questions remain about how much Chelsea would command for the 23-year-old, with the financial details of any potential transfer yet to be revealed.

For Chelsea, the addition of both Delap and Ekitike would represent a significant shift in their attacking strategy. With both players offering different qualities, Chelsea would bolster their forward line with more options and competition. However, the fallout for Jackson would likely see him leave, as the club continues to trim its squad and streamline its attack.

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The situation surrounding Nicolas Jackson is certainly intriguing. While he has shown flashes of talent, his inconsistency has been a persistent issue. The arrival of Delap and potentially Ekitike signals that Chelsea is seeking a more reliable and dynamic attacking force. As much as Jackson’s promise was evident when he first arrived from Villarreal, it seems clear that the club’s patience may be running thin.

For Manchester United, signing Jackson could be a smart move. The 23-year-old has Premier League experience and, in the right system, could develop into a more refined player. His low transfer fee makes him an attractive prospect for United, who are operating within a specific budget as they look to revamp their attack. However, given Jackson’s inconsistent form, it would be a gamble for United to rely on him as a key striker, especially when they are still linked with higher-profile targets like Osimhen.

Ultimately, Chelsea’s striker shuffle could have significant consequences for both Jackson and the club’s future attacking plans. If Jackson departs, Chelsea will have to ensure their new recruits, Delap and Ekitike, hit the ground running. For United, if they manage to land Jackson, it would represent a cost-effective addition to their forward line, though it remains to be seen if he can truly live up to expectations at Old Trafford.