Man United ‘hold SHOCK talks over move for £100m-rated Chelsea star’ – but ‘face one major obstacle’ if they are to strike a to deal
Manchester United have held preliminary talks over a shock swoop for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, according to reports.
The 24-year-old Senegal international arrived at Stamford Bridge two years ago for £32million from Villarreal, but has since fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Nevertheless, Mail Sport understands Chelsea are in no rush to sell their man and value Jackson at a jaw-dropping £100m.
For United to fund such an audacious move, the club would have to pull a lot of strings in regards to outgoings.
Last month, Ruben Amorim added Matheus Cunha to his attacking ranks – signing the Brazilian from Wolves for £62.5m – with Bryan Mbeumo set to complete his £71m move from Brentford any day now.
But after suffering their lowest goalscoring tally in Premier League history last season (44), the Red Devils could still look to strengthen their front line by signing Jackson, as per BBC Sport.
Man United have reportedly held talks with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson’s representatives
Mail Sport understands the Blues value Jackson at a whopping £100m and are in no rush to sell
To finance such a move, the Red Devils would almost certainly have to sell some current assets
United’s precarious financial situation is well-documented – as is Chelsea’s long-standing admiration of Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho’s career at United is coming to an end after Amorim told him to find a new club as a result of his reaction to being benched for the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May.
Several reports in January claimed United and Chelsea were in discussions over a potential swap deal involving the Argentine, with Christopher Nkunku among the names considered for a move from west London to Old Trafford.
If such a prospect was reignited, potentially with extra cash thrown into the deal by United, it may make a deal for Jackson more feasible.
Ideally, the Red Devils want £70m for Garnacho, just slightly less than Chelsea’s valuation of Jackson.
Jackson has often impressed with his willingness and attitude since joining Chelsea.
He has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club but has sometimes lacked the clinical edge to become a force in the Premier League.
Since the start of the 2023-24 season, only Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane have missed more big chances than Jackson in Europe’s top five leagues.
Alternatively, Chelsea have long admired Alejandro Garnacho, with a swap deal on the cards
Jackson may struggle for minutes at Chelsea next season behind Joao Pedro and Liam Delap
If United were to ramp up their interest in Jackson, they would likely face competition from AC Milan, who are confident they can prize him away from Chelsea.
As it stands next season, United’s attacking depth will remain thin, with Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho all set to leave this summer.
Mail Sport reported on Saturday that Rashford is close to completing a dream move to Barcelona, which will see him play on loan at the Nou Camp next season.
The Catalans will have an option to purchase the England international permanently, whose £315,000 wages will be covered entirely by his new club.
