Nicolas Jackson emerges as Atletico target after Chelsea return

Senegalese-Gambian forward Nicolas Jackson is being linked with a move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

The 25-year-old returned to Chelsea on 30 June after spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga and German Cup. Jackson made 23 Bundesliga appearances and scored eight goals during his time in Germany.

He has started two of Senegal’s four matches at the 2026 World Cup, contributing one assist, and is valued at €40m. Jackson’s current Chelsea contract runs until 30 June 2033, meaning any potential move would involve a player under a long-term agreement rather than an impending free transfer.

Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in July 2023 for €37m. He has scored 24 goals in 65 Premier League appearances for the club, along with 10 assists.

The forward also helped Chelsea win the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2024-25 Conference League before his temporary move to Bayern. No transfer fee or probability has been established for the reported Atletico interest, while Jackson remains a Chelsea player.