Nicolas Jackson has decided against pushing for a Chelsea exit this summer.
According to Football Insider, the striker will instead return to Stamford Bridge and aim to impress new head coach Xabi Alonso. He is delaying any move until later in the window.
The Senegal international is currently at the World Cup. He comes back to west London after a season-long loan at Bayern Munich, who chose not to make the deal permanent. A reported £70m option to buy went untriggered.
His German spell was productive without being spectacular. Jackson scored 11 goals and added four assists across all competitions, helping Bayern win the Bundesliga. He largely operated as deputy to Harry Kane, which limited his minutes.
Nicolas Jackson set to stay and fight for his Chelsea future
Now he wants a fresh chance under Alonso. The Spaniard intends to assess his full squad in pre-season before making decisions on futures.
Jackson hopes a strong impression could earn him a role at the club.
“It’s a clean slate for everybody at Chelsea,” Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke said. “I’m sure Alonso will cast an eye over everybody, including Jackson, to see if they are going to play a part in his plans.”
His contract gives Chelsea a strong hand. Jackson is tied to the club until 2033, meaning any buyer would face a hefty fee. That longevity makes a cut-price sale unlikely.
Suitors are circling regardless. Juventus and Napoli have emerged as contenders, hoping to lure him to Serie A.
Jackson’s name also featured in talks over Andrea Cambiaso, with Juventus exploring him as a makeweight.
Newcastle are another possibility. The Magpies have long admired Jackson and could revisit their interest if Chelsea open the door, as they search for a new striker.
The challenge facing Jackson is a crowded frontline. Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha are all competing for minutes, with no European football to ease the rotation.
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