Three clubs linked with Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea set £65m price tag
Nicolas Jackson looks increasingly likely to leave Chelsea in the ongoing summer transfer window, according to a Khel Now report published on 2026-08-24; the striker has returned to London after a season-long loan. Chelsea have placed a £65 million valuation on Jackson while reportedly insisting on permanent moves only.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, who did not make the transfer permanent, and he has since fallen down Chelsea’s attacking pecking order. The Blues paid £32 million to Villarreal for Jackson in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea will only entertain permanent transfer offers for the player. Chelsea’s stance has complicated potential moves given the fee and the club’s refusal to consider loan deals.
On the field, Jackson has scored 24 league goals in 65 matches in England and tallied 11 goals across all competitions for Bayern last season. Those figures are cited in reports assessing his market appeal and the interest he has attracted from several clubs across Europe and beyond.
Trabzonspor have been linked with Jackson after their high-profile acquisition of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer, and the Turkish Super Lig side are reportedly interested if Jackson leaves Chelsea. Any transfer involving Trabzonspor has been described as complicated by Chelsea’s unwillingness to accept loan proposals and by uncertainty over whether Jackson would favour a move to Turkey.
Atlético Madrid have also been reported as suitors, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Atlético are "keen" on securing Jackson’s services. TEAMtalk said Chelsea rejected a loan offer from the Colchoneros, and Fichajes reported that Diego Simeone has stepped up discussions with Chelsea regarding the striker.
Aston Villa are frequently named as the frontrunners for Jackson, with reports saying Villa are in daily contact with all parties while Ollie Watkins could soon join Al Hilal. Villa’s need for a Premier League-proven striker was noted after their 4-0 opening-day loss to Brighton, and Ben Jacobs reported that Villa are the leading contenders; the club and player have reportedly agreed personal terms.
The transfer path to Villa has complexities: sources say a straightforward cash deal would be treated as a "swap" under UEFA’s 45-day rule, and Chelsea have explored selling Jackson to sister club Strasbourg so he could be loaned to Villa. The Telegraph claimed Chelsea are expecting a bid from Villa in the coming days, a development described in reports as likely to push the move towards completion.