Nicolas Jackson has informed Chelsea that he wishes to leave the club, with Newcastle United emerging as frontrunners for the Senegal international. The 24-year-old forward missed Friday's friendly against Bayer Leverkusen after training alone following his request for a move from west London.
Jackson has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Chelsea had valued him at £80 million but are now likely to accept a reduced fee of around £65 million as they look to reshape their attack by signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.
Newcastle are believed to be favourites to sign Jackson, who joined from Villarreal in 2023 for £32 million. The Magpies are also interested in Brentford's Yoane Wissa after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, who is set to join Manchester United. Wissa was left out of Brentford's squad for their friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday after informing the club he wants to leave, though Newcastle have yet to agree a fee.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is keen to reinforce his frontline after Callum Wilson left on a free transfer, while Alexander Isak is likely to move to Liverpool if a fee can be agreed. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed on Thursday that Jackson could leave this month, saying: 'When the transfer window is open, unfortunately or fortunately, anything can happen. This also involves Nico's situation. At the moment we also had two strikers arrive, Joao and Liam. So we will see what happens.'
Chelsea have opened talks with Manchester United over Garnacho, having already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, but are reluctant to meet his £50 million valuation. They are also hopeful of concluding negotiations with Leipzig for Simons, who has agreed personal terms despite interest from Bayern Munich.
