3 weeks ago
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Chelsea legend Roberto Di Matteo believes the Blues hold all the aces when it comes to sanctioning a deal for Nicolas Jackson to leave the club.
Jackson, 24, has been the subject of interest from several teams this summer. While Serie A sides AC Milan and Napoli have shown their hand, it's been reported that Jackson would prefer to stay in the Premier League.
Manchester United now look to be the player's most likely destination as Chelsea aim to bank around £80million for the forward. It's believed that Jackson's representatives have already met with United officials to discuss a potential transfer.
However, with the Red Devils in dire need of firepower, ex-Chelsea boss Di Matteo is convinced that the Blues can dig their heels in and command a hefty fee for the Senegal striker - especially as there's no urgency at Stamford Bridge to offload players.
Speaking to BetVictor, who offer the latest online casino games, Di Matteo said: "Chelsea are in a great position that they are not forced to sell.
"They have a number of players that are on the market and they can raise some funds from there, so they are in no hurry to sell. They are in a good financial position, so it really depends on what clubs are prepared to pay.”
Jackson's future at Chelsea has been thrown into major doubt after Chelsea spent a combined £85m to bring in Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich. The two new strikers both made an impression during Chelsea's successful Club World Cup campaign, leading Jackson to consider his options.
United have signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5m from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo for £71m from Brentford. But after being rebuffed in moves for Arsenal-bound Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool's new signing Hugo Ekitike, Ruben Amorim is dead set on securing a centre forward ahead of the new season.
Whether it's United or not, Di Matteo believes that Jackson will have plenty of options should he leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
“Nicolas Jackson will have a few clubs looking at him," Di Matteo added. "He's a very good striker. He scores goals and he's got some experience now in England as well. I think he would have some clubs chasing him and he might want to go somewhere where he's maybe more wanted than at Chelsea.
"I could see him joining Manchester United, and there are other clubs that are looking for him. Aston Villa could be one if they lose Morgan Rogers."
Jackson has scored 31 goals for the Blues since joining from Villarreal in June 2023. Contracted to 2033 with the club, Chelsea are by no means in a rush to part with the striker and Di Matteo can see a world where Jackson even stays in west London to fight for his place.
“There are a number of clubs, but he might go back to Spain as well, who knows. Should Nicolas Jackson stay and fight for his place at Chelsea? It depends on his own ideas and his motivation," Di Matteo said.
“When your manager wants to sign two new strikers, it doesn't bode very well for yourself. Having said that, if he sticks around, I like him, I like him very much I have to say. I like him as a player - but he might decide to go and find fortune somewhere else.”
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