Manchester United are monitoring Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson amid uncertainty over the 24-year-old’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £32 million two years ago, struggled to make an impact during Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup campaign in the United States. He failed to score and received a two-match ban for a studs-up challenge on Flamengo’s Lucas Ayrton.
Chelsea have invested heavily this summer in attacking options, signing João Pedro from Brighton for £60 million and Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30 million. Both forwards have already scored in the Club World Cup, strengthening Chelsea’s frontline.
Despite this, the club values Jackson and expects him to get competitive minutes as they compete on multiple fronts, including the Champions League. Manager Enzo Maresca is likely to rotate his strikers to maintain squad depth, a problem Chelsea faced in the latter half of last season.
However, Jackson is not untouchable, and a substantial offer could convince Chelsea to consider selling. According to The Times, Manchester United are among several clubs interested, with AC Milan and Aston Villa also monitoring the situation.
United are eager to bolster their attack after scoring just 44 Premier League goals last season — their lowest tally since the 1973-74 campaign, which ended in relegation. Having recently signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million, United are also in talks to acquire Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who is valued similarly.
Meanwhile, United are working to offload players keen to leave, including Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho. The club is expected to raise around £18 million from sell-on clauses for Anthony Elanga, Maxi Oyedele, and Álvaro Carreras, who recently moved to Real Madrid for £37 million.
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