Chelsea transfer news: Nicolas Jackson's 'love' revealed as Man United-linked striker 'rejects' two clubs

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

Published: July 22 2025 | 13:30

Last updated: July 22 2025 | 13:49

'Love' and 'respect' as Man Utd-linked Jackson rejects two European giants

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson reportedly turns down the chance to join two Serie A clubs due to his desire to remain in England, but Manchester United are still unlikely to make a move.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has rejected the opportunity to join two Italian giants in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Owing to the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge has naturally been called into question, even more so after an underwhelming Club World Cup campaign.

Jackson registered an assist on his first appearance against Los Angeles FC, but he was sent off against Flamengo on matchday two and only played once more in the USA.

The Senegal international was an unused substitute in the Blues' 3-0 final triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, where Pedro was trusted to lead the line and repaid Enzo Maresca's faith with Chelsea's final goal.

Delap was then selected to come off the bench against PSG, and Jackson could very well go from first choice to third-choice striker at Stamford Bridge next season, leading to inevitable links with an exit.

Jackson 'rejects' Napoli, AC Milan transfer approaches as asking price revealed

A move to Serie A has been strongly mooted for the former Villarreal man, but according to The Sun, he has turned down the chance to join both AC Milan and Scudetto winners Napoli.

Jackson supposedly 'loves' life in England and would prefer to stay in the Premier League this summer, potentially opening the door for Manchester United to make a move for the 24-year-old.

The Red Devils are in need of a new number nine, but top target Viktor Gyokeres remains unwavering in his desire to join Arsenal, while Victor Osimhen is set to complete a permanent move to Galatasaray in the coming days.

However, the report adds that Man United would have to stump up as much as £80m to sign Jackson, and they will almost certainly have to fund his arrival through player sales, having already spent £134.5m on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon.

Jackson found the back of the net 10 times in 30 Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign, and his overall total for the Blues reads 30 strikes and 12 assists from 81 appearances across all competitions.

Man United's Jackson stance 'revealed' after double transfer rejection

Jackson's preference to remain in England has seemingly given Man United the green light to make their move, but according to Ben Jacobs, an official bid from the Red Devils is 'unlikely'.

The journalist adds that Man United's 'respect' for the Senegal international means that a deal is not completely off the cards, but there would have to be significant changes for the 20-time English champions to throw their hat into the ring.

Instead, the Red Devils are expected to focus on outgoings rather than incomings for the time being, as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho are all on the chopping block.

Rashford is understood to have completed his medical with Barcelona ahead of his loan move, and Man United are allegedly willing to take a £30m hit on one of their other unwanted attackers.