Arsenal pass on Chelsea striker as Villa and Newcastle circle | OneFootball

Arsenal Decline Striker Offer as Jackson Exit Sparks Transfer Dominoes

Arsenal Pass on Jackson as Priorities Shift

There are players that clubs chase, and there are players who are offered. Nicolas Jackson, for now, appears to fall firmly into the latter category. According to Caught Offside, Arsenal were presented with the opportunity to sign the Chelsea striker this summer, but opted not to pursue a deal. “Arsenal turned the player down after being offered the chance of a deal,” the report states.

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The Gunners’ focus remained fixed on Viktor Gyökeres, whose athleticism and profile arguably align more closely with Mikel Arteta’s evolved attacking model. Jackson, though available and talented, was deemed not quite the right fit.

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Newcastle and Villa Lead the Chase

Instead, the 24-year-old now has admirers elsewhere. Newcastle United and Aston Villa are described as the “strongest interest” in the striker, although a move is far from straightforward. Sources suggest Chelsea will accept around £60 million, despite initially placing an £80 million tag on him.

Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly “eager to work with him again after their time together at Villarreal,” but will require player sales to make such a move financially viable.

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Newcastle’s situation is more fluid, with informal talks taking place while the club assesses the future of Alexander Isak.

Chelsea’s Summer Reshuffle Drives Departures

Having recruited Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, Jorrel Hato and others, Chelsea’s squad has ballooned. Jackson, having struggled for rhythm at Stamford Bridge, is an obvious candidate to depart. His talent is not in question, but his fit remains up for debate.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Nicolas Jackson is a good player, but Arsenal no longer need to gamble on players with promise alone. They’re in a place now where it’s about specific profiles, tactical alignment and proven output. Jackson didn’t quite tick those boxes.

The club’s focus on Viktor Gyökeres says a lot. He’s a striker with presence, maturity and a goal record that fits a team pushing for the title. That’s what this team needs. Jackson, on the other hand, is still searching for consistency and composure in front of goal.

A few years ago, Jackson might have been considered a project worth exploring. Now? The strategy is clear, the targets more deliberate.