Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been given permission to leave the club this summer, with the Blues hoping to receive at least double the £32m they spent to sign him in 2023.

Chelsea has agreed to let striker Nicolas Jackson leave the club this summer, according to recent reports. 

The 24-year-old was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Bayer Leverkusen on Friday and trained alone amid reported transfer interest from Newcastle United. Newcastle’s interest in Jackson comes after they missed out on signing Benjamin Sesko, who has reportedly agreed to join Manchester United.

A move away from Stamford Bridge suits both Jackson and Chelsea, with the Blues having signed two strikers this summer – Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. 

Chelsea hope to receive at least double the £32m they spent to sign Jackson from Villarreal in 2023. The club believes Jackson is worth more than the £52m paid by Arsenal to sign Noni Madueke, citing his superior goal and assist statistics.

Jackson has scored 30 goals and delivered 12 assists in 80 matches for Chelsea in his two years at the club. Despite his impressive statistics, Chelsea’s squad overhaul under new management might see him depart. 

In September 2024, Jackson signed a nine-year contract until 2033, but the club is now open to selling him.

If Chelsea’s asking price is not met, they plan to reintegrate Jackson into the squad. This move would allow the club to reassess their priorities and potentially find a new role for the striker.

Aston Villa’s interest in Jackson could intensify if they sell Ollie Watkins, especially with Manchester United’s pursuit of Watkins having cooled following their move for Benjamin Sesko.

A switch to Villa would reunite Jackson with manager Unai Emery, whom he worked under at Villarreal. Sources indicate Jackson “would love to play under Emery again,” making Villa an appealing destination.