Atletico Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with sporting director Mateu Alemany travelling to London this week to negotiate a potential deal for the Senegalese forward.
Atletico Madrid in Talks With Chelsea Over Loan Move for Nicolas Jackson
The Spanish giants have identified Jackson as their primary attacking target following a challenging start to the season.
Alexander Sorloth is currently sidelined with injury, while Julian Alvarez has struggled for form.
Diego Simeone’s side view the 25-year-old as the ideal solution to bolster their frontline.
Jackson’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain despite returning from a season-long loan at Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso has opted to keep three strikers in his squad, and the Senegalese international does not feature in those plans.
The forward, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal for approximately €37 million, has since spent two seasons in the Premier League before his loan spell in Germany.
The negotiations face significant financial obstacles. Atletico Madrid are operating under tight budget constraints following their €33 million investment in Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur.
As a result, the Rojiblancos prefer a loan arrangement, potentially with an option to buy.
Chelsea, however, would rather secure a permanent sale. Reports suggest Atletico may also request that Chelsea cover a portion of Jackson’s wages during any loan spell.
According to Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail, there is “no offer yet” but talks are “ongoing”.
The player’s preference could prove decisive Jackson has reportedly given priority to waiting for Atletico Madrid, despite being “very close” to a move to Aston Villa.
He is no stranger to Spanish football and could thrive under Simeone’s system.
Atletico face competition from Aston Villa, where Unai Emery—the manager who handed Jackson his senior debut at Villarreal is keen to reunite with the forward.
Whether Chelsea soften their stance on a permanent sale remains the key question as negotiations continue.
