Chelsea are standing firm on their support for striker Nicolas Jackson, despite his reduced involvement during the recent Club World Cup, where forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro outshone the 24-year-old Senegalese.
Sources close to the club, including Sky Sports, report that Chelsea remain confident in Jackson’s long-term value. The club points to his combined 34 goals and assists over the past two Premier League seasons as evidence of his impact—a figure that surpasses the 29 goal involvements of Hugo Ekitike in Germany, who recently moved to Liverpool in a £79 million deal.
Chelsea are believed to be using Ekitike’s fee as a benchmark in discussions, especially when approached by domestic rivals such as Manchester United. Internally, the Blues view Jackson as a more proven Premier League asset.
Despite that, Jackson’s minutes on the pitch have become a topic of discussion. At the Club World Cup, manager Mauricio Pochettino opted for Delap and Joao Pedro in critical matches, raising questions about Jackson’s role moving forward.
While Manchester United have been monitoring Jackson’s situation closely as they explore options to strengthen their forward line, price remains a major hurdle. Chelsea’s valuation—reportedly informed by the Ekitike deal—has prompted hesitation within United’s recruitment team.
Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam weighed in on United’s stance, saying, “That’s a lot of money.” He added that the club may choose to pursue cheaper alternatives overseas, where proven talent can be acquired at lower risk.
United’s need for attacking reinforcements is clear, but balancing performance metrics against financial prudence remains a key part of their summer strategy. The club is also evaluating options in Serie A and Ligue 1 as potential fallback options.
For now, Chelsea appear in no rush to sell. Club officials have reportedly reassured Jackson of his place in the squad, emphasizing their faith in his development and adaptability. The Senegal international joined Chelsea with high expectations and, despite a dip in recent form, continues to be seen as a project worth backing.
Whether United push forward with a formal offer remains to be seen, but Chelsea’s stance suggests any potential deal won’t come cheap.
As the transfer window progresses, Jackson’s situation will be one to watch—especially if playing time continues to fluctuate in west London.
