Chelsea have decided to part ways with striker Nicolas Jackson this summer, leaving him out of the squad that faced Bayer Leverkusen yesterday.
The 24-year-old is attracting interest from Newcastle United, who have turned to Jackson after missing out on Benjamin Šeško, now heading to Manchester United.
The move would benefit both Jackson and Chelsea, with the Blues having already strengthened their attack by signing Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
Chelsea are aiming to receive at least double the £32 million they paid Villarreal for Jackson in 2023, valuing him higher than the £52 million Arsenal spent on Noni Madueke, citing Jackson’s superior goal and assist stats.
If their valuation isn’t met, the club plans to reintegrate the Senegalese striker into the squad.
Jackson, who has 30 goals and 12 assists in 80 appearances over two seasons, signed a nine-year deal in September 2024, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
Christopher Nkunku was also absent from the Leverkusen match, though his omission was partly due to a minor injury and limited recent training amid ongoing transfer speculation.