Nicolas Jackson could be on his way back to Spain, with Atletico Madrid exploring a loan deal for the Chelsea forward after he was left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad.
The 25-year-old is seeking regular first-team football after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich. Jackson is now attracting interest from Atletico, who are assessing their attacking options ahead of the close of the summer transfer window.
According to Marca, Atletico have made the Senegal international their current priority as they look to strengthen in attack. Alexander Sørloth’s injury has increased the need for another forward, while the future of Julian Alvarez remains uncertain.
Jackson is familiar with Spanish football, having previously played for Villarreal. A move to Madrid would therefore represent a return to La Liga for the player, who is reportedly attracted by the prospect of going back to the competition.
Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany has travelled to London to hold direct discussions with Chelsea’s hierarchy over a possible deal. The Spanish club’s preferred option is a loan, with the intention of completing the transfer before the summer market closes.
However, negotiations remain complicated because of the two clubs’ differing financial expectations. Chelsea are willing to listen to approaches for Jackson but do not want to sell him below their valuation.
The London club are also reluctant to sanction a second successive loan. Chelsea’s preference is understood to be a permanent transfer, which would allow them to recover value from their investment in the striker.
That position has created a significant obstacle for Atletico, who are attempting to secure Jackson on a temporary basis. The player’s enthusiasm for a return to Spain may help the discussions, but an agreement has yet to be reached.
Jackson is currently valued at 40m euros by Transfermarkt and remains under contract with Chelsea until 30 June 2033. During his spell in Germany, he earned an annual salary of 6m euros, equivalent to 3.9bn CFA francs.
Chelsea are due to begin their English league campaign against Fulham. The match is scheduled to be the club’s opening fixture of the season, with the betting company 1xbet listing Chelsea as the favourites at odds of 2.00. A draw is priced at 3.55, while a Fulham victory is given odds of 3.10.
Jackson’s future could therefore become one of Chelsea’s main issues as the transfer window approaches its conclusion. Atletico are pressing for a loan, but Chelsea’s preference for a permanent sale means the forward’s next move remains unresolved.
