AC Milan have officially stepped away from negotiations with Chelsea over the possible transfer of Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson, a move that brings to a close one of the summer’s most closely watched potential signings.
Jackson, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal in 2023, has made 81 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, scoring 30 goals and contributing 12 assists.
Yet, despite those promising figures, inconsistency has sometimes clouded his performances, limiting his impact at times.
Chelsea’s recent influx of attacking talent—featuring João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens—has prompted the club to reconsider its forward roster.
In turn, Chelsea have placed Jackson on the transfer list, valuing him between £60 million and £100 million (approximately €70 million–€115 million). AC Milan, unwilling to meet that asking price, have officially withdrawn from further talks.
Why Milan Opted Out
AC Milan’s decision followed extensive negotiations, but club officials determined that the financial terms did not align with their transfer strategy or budget.
The Rossoneri’s new sporting director and recruitment team concluded that Jackson’s price tag failed to reflect the level of certainty needed for a high-profile investment.
This stance reflects AC Milan’s cautious approach to transfer dealings, especially amid the financial challenges of Champions League qualification requirements and broader sustainability targets.
Jackson’s Time at Stamford Bridge
When Jackson signed from Villarreal, he was heralded as a dynamic and powerful frontman, expected to inject pace and physical presence into Chelsea’s attack. He has mostly delivered on that front, with goals at important moments.
But his track record has also revealed fluctuations—periods of sharp goal droughts and off-colour contributions which, under Chelsea’s intensified competition, may have weighed against his retention.
His underlying statistics remain solid, with averages hovering around 0.37 goals per game, but Chelsea’s decision to pursue a streamline appears motivated as much by tactical evolution as by his market value.
A Busy Summer Prospective Pool
With Milan out of the running, Jackson’s future is now being watched closely by an array of top European clubs. Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and Atlético Madrid have all reportedly registered interest, having held preliminary discussions with Chelsea’s representatives.
However, no official bids have been submitted yet—or at least none acknowledged publicly. Manchester United and Juventus are expected to have the strongest financial leverage, while clubs like Inter and Atlético are exploring strategic loan-to-buy solutions or player-swap mechanisms to manage budgets.
Contract Situation and Training Status
Under contract at Chelsea until 2033, Jackson now finds himself in a delicate professional stage. He continues to train with the first team, yet remains on the periphery of the squad’s long-term plans. Fans and pundits alike are watching to see whether he will stay at Stamford Bridge or secure a transfer before the window closes.
Jackson himself has remained publicly neutral on the topic, expressing respect for the club and its decisions, while privately indicating a desire for regular first-team football. His agent has reportedly been engaging with interested clubs to gauge interest and game time prospects.
What Lies Ahead
With AC Milan officially out, Chelsea’s valuation for Jackson remains firm. Clubs interested in signing him must decide whether they believe his goal-scoring ability—matched with his physical attributes and work rate—is worth the investment.
Alternatively, Chelsea may be open to loan arrangements that provide both financial flexibility and a renewed platform for Jackson to prove himself.
In the coming weeks, attention will intensify around the final two months of the transfer window. Jackson’s future could significantly reshape attacking plans for both Chelsea and any suitor who brings him in.
A move would provide the player a fresh start; a decision to stay could hinge on proving his long-term value to manager Mauricio Pochettino and the evolving team structure.
For now, AC Milan’s withdrawal removes one serious contender from the chase, but the door remains wide open for Jackson to find his next destination—wherever his abilities are best valued and his consistency given the opportunity to shine.
