Chelsea are not planning to sell Nicolas Jackson this summer despite increasing speculation in recent days over the striker’s future at Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old has been with the Blues since signing from Villarreal in 2023 for around £30million and in that time, there has been a visible improvement in the striker’s all-round game. football.london understands Chelsea are pleased with how Jackson has come on and are planning the upcoming season with the Senegal international in the squad.
There is, however, interest in Jackson from elsewhere in the Premier League, as well as overseas, with Napoli one of the clubs known to be keen. Last summer, Jackson signed a two-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge with the club rewarding the striker for his promising start to life in England.
Chelsea want to have at least two strikers gunning for the No.9 position next season. With Liam Delap arriving from Ipswich Town for £30million, the Blues are set to go into the new campaign with the England Under-21 international competing with Jackson for a place in the side. Hugo Ekitike remains of interest to Chelsea as well.
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The Blues have a concrete interest in Ekitike, though are concerned by Eintracht Frankfurt demanding £85million for the Frenchman’s services. Chelsea have been locked in talks with the German club in recent weeks as the west Londoners look to get the asking price down.
Chelsea are looking for a versatile forward as well, with Joao Pedro emerging as a target this summer. Brighton are open to selling Pedro but not for anything less than £60million, while the Blues also have some other names on their radar, including Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are still chasing a new left-sided winger, with Jamie Gittens the club’s priority in that position. football.london understands the Blues are preparing a fresh offer for the 20-year-old with Borussia Dortmund holding out for a fee closer to £50million. Chelsea saw a £42million offer turned down by Dortmund before the FIFA Club World Cup started but the Blues’ interest in Gittens has not gone away.
