A club from Italy has enquired about signing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson this summer – as well as another Premier League star.
Jackson, 24, has been the main forward at Chelsea over the last year, with his only real competition coming in the form of Christopher Nkunku, who prefers to play in a deeper position.
The forward enjoyed a solid return on the numbers front, bagging 10 Premier League goals – 13 in total – and drawing regular praise from manager Enzo Maresca in his debut season in charge of the club.
Frustration is growing around the forward, however, who was sent off in the third-to-last Premier League game of the season for an elbow during his side’s defeat by Newcastle.
Then, in the Club World Cup, Jackson was sent off in Chelsea’s second game against Flemengo, meaning he will only return from suspension in the semi-final. He is also suspended for the Premier League season opener against Crystal Palace in August.
Now, though, he could be offered a way out, with Football Italia reporting that AC Milan have asked about signing Jackson this summer.
Italian giants AC Milan have enquired over the possibility of signing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson
Frustration has grown around Jackson after he picked up two red cards in a matter of matches
Jackson’s manager Enzo Maresca, though, has regularly sang his current No 9’s praises
Milan are desperate to sign a forward in the ongoing transfer window, and Jackson could well be the answer to their prayers if the opportunity presents itself. Chelsea have signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro for £30m and £60m respectively this summer.
It is reported that Jackson’s name was mentioned during negotiations for Archie Brown, who is a left back with Gent and also of interest to Milan.
Brown has the same agent as Jackson, meaning a relationship has already formed between Milan and the Blues man’s entourage.
It is, though, reported that Jackson will only be sold if a significant offer comes in. Milan had tried to sign him from Villarreal before his move to Chelsea in 2023 – and he has also been linked with Arsenal this summer.
Elsewhere, Milan are also reported to have enquired about signing Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose contract is up next summer.
Mateta has been monitored by a number of European clubs – including Manchester United – but Milan could be the ones to make a move and try and secure his services at a cut-price deal.
Mateta continued his fine form for Palace last season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions and helping his side win their first-ever major trophy in the FA Cup.
Mateta joined Palace from Mainz in January 2022, but could well be on the move again soon.
Chelsea have invested heavily in forward areas this season, signing Liam Delap (pictured) for £30million and Joao Pedro for £60m
Milan are also thought to have shortlisted Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta is out of contract next summer and played a key role in helping Palace win the FA Cup
Milan have appointed Massimiliano Allegri as manager after a poor campaign last year
The report suggests that other strikers on Milan’s shortlist include Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Bayern Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
Last season, Milan finished eighth in Serie A, having come second the year before.
Massimiliano Allegri, however, has been appointed as the club’s boss for the new season with the aim of improving the club’s fortunes.
