Chelsea are monitoring how the outcome of Manchester United and Newcastle United's pursuit of Benjamin Sesko will impact their stance on Nicolas Jackson this summer.
Both clubs have listed Sesko as their top target and have each submitted bids for the 22-year-old RB Leipzig striker. The forward appears closer to Old Trafford than St. James' Park. The expected loser is likely to turn their attention to Jackson instead.
However, Chelsea insiders insist they will not let Jackson leave for a low fee, as they hold the 24-year-old forward in high regard, and he has proven he can score goals in the Premier League.
They believe Jackson is worth more than the £75 million bid submitted for Sesko this week, as well as the £79 million Liverpool paid Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitić this summer.
Time will tell how firmly Chelsea stick to their valuation, but the likelihood of Jackson being sold this summer is growing – either to the loser of the Sesko race or elsewhere.
Chelsea signed Jackson from Villarreal for £32 million two years ago, and he now competes with Liam Delap for the No.9 position, with versatile João Pedro also joining this summer.
If Jackson leaves, it remains to be seen whether the Blues will consider signing another forward, as 19-year-old Marc Guiu is set to join Sunderland on loan for a season.
Jackson's statistics are indeed comparable to those of the forwards Chelsea are comparing him to. The Senegalese forward has scored 30 goals in 81 games since joining the Blues two years ago, while Sesko has netted 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig, and Ekitić has scored 26 goals in 64 games for Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continue their efforts to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The German club has begun searching for potential replacements for the 22-year-old forward after contacting Liverpool regarding Harvey Elliott.
After so much preparation, Chelsea are likely to make a formal bid for Simons, as the Blues know the Netherlands international – who has 28 caps – is interested.
