Nicolas Jackson is set to return to Chelsea after Bayern Munich withdrew from a deal to sign the striker on loan. The Senegal international had flown to Munich on Saturday after the Bundesliga champions agreed a loan with an option to buy for €65m (£56m), but Chelsea blocked the move following an injury to Liam Delap.
Delap sustained a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s match against Fulham and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks. With Delap out, head coach Enzo Maresca is reluctant to rely on only one fit striker given the team’s congested schedule, prompting the club to cancel Jackson’s departure.
Jackson remained in Bavaria with his representatives over the weekend, attempting to find an alternative solution with Bayern. However, Chelsea would only consider a permanent deal, while Bayern were seeking only a loan. The German champions ultimately walked away from negotiations, and Jackson is now due back in London, reportedly disappointed with how events unfolded.
Maresca may need to lift the forward’s spirits upon his return. Jackson, who has scored 24 Premier League goals in 65 appearances, had asked to leave in August after Chelsea signed João Pedro and Delap this summer. Other clubs, including Aston Villa, Newcastle, Napoli and Juventus, have been linked, but it remains unclear if any will move before Monday’s deadline.
As a contingency, Chelsea have agreed to recall Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland and are exploring permanent signings. They have inquired about several forwards, including Sporting Lisbon’s Conrad Harder, but are focused on permanent deals rather than loans. Meanwhile, the club remains open to offers for Tyrique George, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi, but Josh Acheampong is not for sale.
