‘Arsenal plot surprise move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson on one key condition’
Arsenal’s striker search has taken another twist with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson now a target if the Gunners can agree on one condition.
Jackson only joined Chelsea last summer from Villarreal on an eight-year contract for around £32million.
The Senegal international has yet to convince at Stamford Bridge, scoring just 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances.
Mikel Arteta though urgently needs a striker in this window, and he is plotting a shock move for Jackson amid uncertainty whether he can sign his top targets Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.
Arteta exploring options as striker chase intensifies
Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, reports that Arsenal are interested in Jackson, but are “holding out for a deal which represents the best value.”
Castles states a final decision over which striker to sign has not been decided by the club.
Chelsea have moved already in this window to sign Liam Delap, meaning Enzo Maresca would be open to a negotiation over Jackson.
Delap joined after scoring 12 Premier League goals last season for an Ipswich side relegated to the Championship.
The 22-year-old has already scored for The Blues at the Club World Cup against Tunisian side Esperance Tunis whilst Jackson had to watch on following a red card in the previous game against Flamengo.
Shock Jackson plot similar to Havertz arrival
Football Insider verdict
Signing Jackson from Chelsea would be similar to when Arteta surprisingly moved to land Kai Havertz back in 2023.
Havertz was also not fully convincing in his time at Stamford Bridge, but his move to The Emirates reignited his Premier League career.
| Player | Jackson | Havertz |
| Appearances | 36 | 36 |
| Goals | 13 | 15 |
| Assists | 6 | 5 |
The German has been one of the key reasons behind Arsenal’s charge for trophies, but also a reason why the club haven’t been able to clinch titles.
Jackson could prove to be similar, if Arteta signs him, and would supporters be satisfied with such a signing over Sesko or Gyokeres.
Adding depth in the forward department would be beneficial after major injury problems last season hampered their title charge, but Arsenal need a player who can strike over 20 goals a season, and Jackson does not look to be that man.
Having signed Delap early in the window, Jackson’s Chelsea exit seems likely meaning if a bid was to be made from Arsenal, the player may be keen to move.