Chelsea Striking Ace Drawing Interest From La Liga Giants: What Should The Blues Do? | OneFootball

If a recent report from SunSport is believed to be true, Atletico Madrid are weighing up a summer move for Chelsea marksman Nicolas Jackson. But the Spanish giants are not alone in the race with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Aston Villa also keeping close eyes on the in-form centre-forward.

The 23-year-old Senegalese sensation had a successful stint in La Liga before plying his trade to West London. He began his career with ASC Tilene and then joined Casa Sports back in his homeland. His sharpness high up the pitch caught the eyes of Villarreal who initially roped him in for their reserves. Although a loan to Mirandés in Segunda División did not work out for the attacker, the trust showed by the Yellow Submarine paid off a year later.

After showing promises for their Juvenil A side, the 2022-23 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign with 12 goals in 26 La Liga outings. Jackson was Villarreal’s top scorer in the league as his poaching traits helped them finish fifth in the standings.

Meanwhile, Chelsea were going through a squad rebuild under Todd Boehly’s ownership, and the board splashed £32m on an eight-year deal through 2031 to make him one of the first project signings they pursued in the summer of 2023. Despite a difficult start at Stamford Bridge, the Blues ‘number 9’ finished the 2023-24 season with 17 goals in 44 outings.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea battles for possession with Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 22, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Jackson’s form has improved this term as he fired in 9 goals and laid on 5 more in 23 Premier League appearances before sustaining a hamstring strain earlier this month. Yet his wastefulness cost them on many occasions, and the London hotshots could opt for summer reinforcements upfront.

Why Chelsea Might Accept A Bid For Jackson In Summer

Marc Guiu has a bright career road ahead of him, but the 19-year-old former La Masia prospect is too young to feature week in, and week out in the top flight of the English pyramid. Christopher Nkunku has failed so far while deputizing Jackson in his injury absence, and Chelsea, therefore, must be sweating over their star striker’s future given the growing interest from Rojiblancos.

Diego Simeone’s men are chasing the league crown alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. But they are heavily reliant on Julien Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann with the latter heading towards the twilight of an illustrious career. Neither of them is an outright ‘number 9 and the gaffer has mostly deployed Alexander Sørloth as a second-half substitute to execute direct football. Coincidentally, the Norwegian replaced Jackson at Villarreal in the summer before last but might slip down the pecking order if the Lions of Teranga ace returns to Spain in a mega-money transfer.