Manchester United would reportedly prefer to sign Chelsea attacker Nicolas Jackson over Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins are subjects of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on bolstering their offensive unit by signing a striker in the summer transfer window. So, the versatile Chelsea attacker and the Aston Villa centre-forward have emerged as targets.
However, the struggling Premier League giants prefer a move for Jackson instead of Watkins. In addition, a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho may be on the cards. While Chelsea will demand £70 million to part ways with the former Villarreal forward, Manchester United will ask for £60 million to sell Garnacho.
How has Nicolas Jackson fared at Chelsea?
Nicolas Jackson has made considerable progress since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in July 2023. The 24-year-old was slow off the blocks but has not looked back since finding his feet at the West London club. While the player struggled with fitness issues in the 2024/25 season, he was impressive enough whenever he took to the pitch.
The Senegalese international has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Chelsea while chipping in with 30 goals and 12 assists. However, Jackson’s long-term future is uncertain after they signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro earlier this summer. So, an exit may be on the cards, with Manchester United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Manchester United’s interest in Nicolas Jackson is understandable. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a striker this summer after growing frustrated with a lack of productivity from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season. While Jackson may pose similar issues, he is much more well-rounded attacker than Hojlund and Zirkzee.
The struggling Premier League giants are also keen on signing Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. However, Manchester United will prioritise signing Jackson from Chelsea, and a swap deal involving the out-of-favour Alejandro Garnacho may be possible.. While the Blues want £70 million to part ways with the former Villarreal forward, the Red Devils will demand £60 million to sell Garnacho.
The Red Devils have already been in contact with Jackson’s entourage to discuss a possible move in the summer transfer window. So, with Manchester United ramping up the efforts to sign the 24-year-old Senegalese international, a summer deal may be on the cards.
