Newcastle United have set their sights on Nicolas Jackson. The Magpies want to strengthen their attacking department by adding a striker in this summer’s transfer window, with doubts surrounding Alexander Isak’s long-term stay. As a result, the adaptable 24-year-old Chelsea forward has emerged as a potential option for the Tyneside side.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s price tag for the player has dropped from £80 million to £60 million, a change welcomed by Newcastle United. The 2024/25 EFL Cup champions are willing to match the Blues’ valuation, with Eddie Howe confident Jackson could succeed Isak at St. James’ Park. That said, they have not yet decided whether to lodge an official bid to Chelsea.
Nicolas Jackson finds himself at a pivotal stage of his career despite making solid progress since arriving from Villarreal for £32 million in July 2023. While the 24-year-old forward has sometimes been inefficient in front of goal, his work rate and creativity in providing opportunities for teammates have kept him valuable to the West London outfit.
The Senegalese forward has made close to 100 appearances for Chelsea, recording 30 goals and 12 assists. However, his time at Stamford Bridge appears limited, with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro joining the club this summer. That makes a transfer likely, with Newcastle United among the clubs interested in securing his services during the window.
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Nicolas Jackson makes sense. The Magpies are exploring striker options as Alexander Isak pushes to join Liverpool before the close of the summer market. Other names, such as Yoane Wissa, have been linked, but Jackson is also considered a strong candidate.
The deal for the ex-Villarreal man has moved closer, as Eddie Howe sees him as a long-term successor to Isak. Chelsea’s decision to cut his asking price from £80 million to £60 million has pleased Newcastle, who are prepared to meet the figure set by the West Londoners.
Still, while the EFL Cup holders are ready to pay £60 million for Jackson, they are “assessing whether to intensify their chase” while weighing up other possibilities. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old Senegal international departs Chelsea for Newcastle United before the summer transfer deadline.
