Chelsea have reportedly set a hefty price tag of between £80 million and £100 million for striker Nicolas Jackson, amid growing interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Aston Villa. The valuation signals the Blues’ firm stance on retaining one of their key attacking assets, but also highlights the increasingly inflated nature of the modern transfer market.
Jackson, 23, joined Chelsea last summer from Villarreal for a fee in the region of £32 million. While his debut season at Stamford Bridge has been somewhat mixed, his potential and flashes of brilliance have convinced Chelsea that he remains integral to their project under new manager Enzo Maresca. The club’s hierarchy believe Jackson’s raw pace, physical presence, and ability to stretch defences are qualities that are not easily replaced — hence the significant asking price.
Despite some inconsistency in front of goal, Jackson has still managed to rack up a respectable tally, scoring 14 goals in all competitions and providing five assists. He’s also earned praise for his work rate and ability to link play — attributes that make him attractive to top-flight clubs looking for a mobile centre-forward.
Manchester United’s interest in Jackson comes as they continue their search for attacking reinforcements. The Red Devils have struggled for goals, with last season’s top scorer, Rasmus Højlund, still developing and Anthony Martial frequently sidelined by injury. United’s recruitment team reportedly sees Jackson as a versatile forward who can complement Højlund or even play off the left in certain systems. However, Chelsea’s steep valuation could force United to look elsewhere unless they can negotiate a lower fee or structure an offer with player swaps and add-ons.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are keen to bolster their attacking options as they prepare for a season of European football under Unai Emery. Villa have enjoyed rapid progress under the Spanish coach and want to add depth to their frontline to cope with the demands of domestic and continental competitions. With Ollie Watkins as the first-choice striker, Villa see Jackson as a player who could offer a different profile — pace in behind, the ability to press defenders, and the versatility to play across the front three.
The high valuation is also a reflection of Chelsea’s broader transfer strategy. Having invested heavily in young talent over the past two years, the club is determined not to lose key players cheaply. They are under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), but insiders suggest they would rather offload fringe players or academy graduates before selling starters like Jackson.
For the player himself, the situation could be pivotal. Jackson is said to be happy at Chelsea but is open to considering his options if he is not guaranteed a clear role under Maresca. The new manager, known for his preference for technical, dynamic forwards, has yet to publicly clarify Jackson’s status, but early indications suggest he wants to build around the striker’s attributes.
Any deal for Jackson would likely depend on multiple factors — Chelsea’s own incoming transfers, possible outgoings elsewhere in attack, and the financial muscle of suitors in an increasingly cautious market. With United and Villa both facing budget limitations and competing priorities, Chelsea’s valuation might test how serious their interest really is.
Ultimately, Jackson’s future could shape Chelsea’s plans for the window. If they manage to sell him for anything close to their asking price, it would free up significant funds for reinvestment, perhaps on a more proven goalscorer. But if no club meets their demands, the Senegalese international looks set to remain at Stamford Bridge for at least another season, tasked with proving he can become the consistent striker the Blues have long searched for.
As the summer window heats up, Nicolas Jackson’s name will likely continue to be at the centre of speculation — and Chelsea’s sky-high valuation shows they believe they hold a prized asset who could y
et be worth every penny.
