Newcastle United’s transfer ‘green light’ after attacking options reconsidered
Newcastle United given green light to launch bid for Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea put striker up for sale
Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new striker has taken a fresh twist after Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed that Nicolas Jackson is available for transfer this month. The news provides the Magpies with a potential opportunity to solve their attacking dilemma as the transfer window enters its decisive stage.
The Tyneside club, who saw their latest £35m approach for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa rejected on Tuesday, have been forced back to the drawing board in their hunt for reinforcements. While Wissa remains on their radar, Chelsea’s decision to sanction Jackson’s exit has pushed the 24-year-old Senegalese forward onto Newcastle’s shortlist.
Chelsea are understood to value Jackson at around £60m, double the fee they paid Villarreal just over a year ago when he arrived for £32m amid high expectations. However, Maresca has now confirmed that the striker is no longer in his first-team plans, with Jackson and fellow outcast Christopher Nkunku omitted from the Blues’ travelling squad for their upcoming Premier League clash with West Ham United.
Speaking on Tuesday, Maresca made his position clear:
> “Nico is available, but he is not going to be part of the squad. We already have Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in that position, and something can still happen before the window closes. Christo [Nkunku] is in the same situation. Both players are training separately as we look for the best solution. If they stay, fine – but I believe they will be happier if they find a move.”
Jackson’s future has been the subject of speculation all summer, with Aston Villa also exploring a possible reunion between the striker and their manager Unai Emery, who previously coached him at Villarreal. Villa are monitoring developments closely, though Newcastle’s urgent need for a centre-forward could see them accelerate their interest.
The 24-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge has been mixed. Despite moments of promise, including a goal in last season’s Conference League final triumph against Real Betis, Jackson has struggled to establish himself as a consistent goalscorer. Across 81 appearances for Chelsea, he has registered 30 goals – a respectable return, but one that fell short of the expectations set when he arrived as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.
For Newcastle, the striker situation is becoming increasingly complicated. The departure of Callum Wilson, who left the club as a free agent earlier this summer, has left a significant void in Eddie Howe’s squad. Compounding matters is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak. The Swedish international has been at the centre of a high-profile saga after releasing a statement on social media earlier this week – without prior approval from the club – questioning Newcastle’s commitment to him. That move only strengthened the club hierarchy’s determination to hold firm and keep Isak at St James’ Park, at least for now.
With the clock ticking towards deadline day, Newcastle must weigh their options carefully. Jackson represents both an opportunity and a risk: a player with undoubted ability, Premier League experience, and age on his side, but one who has struggled to live up to expectations in West London. Chelsea, for their part, appear eager to cash in, inviting bids and signalling a willingness to move on quickly.
Ultimately, much depends on Newcastle’s willingness to meet Chelsea’s asking price – and whether the Magpies feel Jackson is the right fit to lead their attack as they prepare for another demanding campaign at home and in Europe.