According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the future of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson could take an unexpected turn this summer, with clubs being informed that a loan deal with an obligation to buy may be possible under certain conditions.
After the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer, Jackson has become surplus to requirements at the club.
The Premier League giants are looking to offload the attacker this summer and even though a number of clubs from England and Italy have shown interest in signing the player, nothing has materialised so far.
The proposed structure would include a £10 million loan fee, potentially easing the financial burden for interested clubs before committing to a permanent transfer.
Chelsea have set a high asking price for Nicolas Jackson
The Blues initially set a lofty £80 million valuation for the 24-year-old striker, but Jacobs reports that if the figure drops below £70 million, more clubs could realistically enter the race.
Among the clubs currently monitoring the situation, Aston Villa are emerging as serious contenders. Unai Emery has previously worked with Jackson at Villarreal and he wants to bring the striker to Villa Park to add more depth to his attacking options.
Jackson is being targeted to compete with Ollie Watkins for a place in the starting line up.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United cannot be ruled out. They are facing issues of their own with Alexander Isak who wants to leave the club for a move to Liverpool this summer. The player has gone on striker to force a move to Anfield and that has made the Magpies consider Jackson as one of the replacement options in the market.
AC Milan join English clubs in race to sign Jackson
Meanwhile, AC Milan have also shown interest, keeping a close eye on the developments as they continue their rebuild their squad.
Jackson himself remains a player with huge potential. His time in England may not have been successful but the attacker has shown promise of a bright future and under the right environment and coaching, he can fulfill his potential.
Whether it’s Aston Villa, Newcastle, Milan, or another late entrant, it is getting more and more clear that Jackson’s future lies away from Chelsea.
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