Nottingham Forest make move for £56m Chelsea striker as future decision looms this week

 

Nottingham Forest could be set to shake up the summer transfer window after making a bold move in their pursuit of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson. The Premier League side are keen on strengthening their attacking options and appear ready to test Chelsea’s resolve with an approach for one of their most high-profile names.

 

Chelsea, who lifted the Club World Cup not too long ago, are currently in the midst of a squad reshuffle as new manager Enzo Maresca looks to trim down his options. Several senior players have been made available for transfer, including Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, and Nicolas Jackson. While Nkunku has been on the radar of Bayern Munich and his former club RB Leipzig, Forest are understood to be exploring a deal for Jackson, who has also attracted interest from other European heavyweights.

 

Reports from journalist Eduardo Burgos indicate that Forest have formally approached the representatives of the Senegalese striker to discuss the possibility of bringing him to the City Ground. The Midlands club face stiff competition, however, as Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli have all expressed interest in the 24-year-old. With so many suitors in the mix, Jackson’s future is expected to be clarified before the end of the week.

 

When it comes to his valuation, Chelsea are said to be seeking a significant fee. Transfer insider Florian Plettenberg has suggested that the Blues could demand around £56 million for the striker, a price that would make him one of Forest’s most expensive signings ever if a deal were to be completed. Napoli are reportedly maintaining close contact with Jackson’s camp as well, which further underlines how competitive the race for his signature has become.

 

For Chelsea, the uncertainty surrounding Jackson has already had consequences on the pitch. He was absent from the squad in their goalless draw against Crystal Palace last weekend, and he is also set to miss Friday’s crucial Premier League clash with West Ham United. Manager Enzo Maresca has excluded the forward from his immediate plans while transfer talks remain ongoing.

 

This absence could prove costly for Chelsea. Jackson tormented West Ham in the same fixture last season, scoring twice and providing an assist in a dominant display. Without him, the Blues may struggle for cutting edge, particularly with Joao Pedro failing to impress in the last outing against Palace, where he was effectively neutralised by the opposition defence.

 

For Nottingham Forest, this represents a potential opportunity to pull off a marquee signing that would send shockwaves through the league. Securing Jackson’s services would not only strengthen their attacking firepower but also demonstrate their growing ambition as a club determined to establish itself as a competitive force in both the Premier League and Europe.