Atletico Madrid are intensifying their efforts to sign Nicolas Jackson, with the Chelsea forward reportedly giving the green light to a return to La Liga.
Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany travelled to London this week to discuss a potential deal for the 25-year-old Senegal international. While he returned without reaching an agreement with Chelsea, Jackson is understood to be receptive to joining Diego Simeone’s side.
The major obstacle is the structure of the proposed transfer as Atletico favour a loan, while Chelsea are prioritising a permanent sale as they continue reshaping their squad.
Jackson gives Atletico encouragement
Jackson’s preference could strengthen Atletico’s position during the final stages of negotiations. The striker already has experience in Spanish football after his spell with Villarreal, where he scored 12 goals in 26 appearances during his breakthrough campaign.
He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and maintained a respectable scoring record, registering 11 goals from 34 appearances before returning to Stamford Bridge. Jackson now reportedly views a return to Spain as his preferred option ahead of the other opportunities available to him.
However, according to Fichajes, Chelsea’s desire to generate an immediate transfer fee means Atletico must either alter their proposal or hope the Blues soften their position closer to the deadline. Jackson was signed for £32 million from Villarreal in 2023.
Aston Villa could complicate Atletico plans
Aston Villa remain an important factor in the situation as Unai Emery’s side are considering Jackson as a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins, who has informed Villa that he wants to join Al-Hilal. Should Watkins complete his move to Saudi Arabia, the West Midlands club would have an immediate need for a new centre-forward and could potentially offer Chelsea the permanent transfer they prefer.
That would put Atletico at a disadvantage despite Jackson’s willingness to move to Madrid. Chelsea must also manage restrictions surrounding international loans, with several players including Dario Essugo, Geovany Quenda, Aaron Anselmino, and Mykhailo Mudryk potentially leaving temporarily.
Jackson’s preference for Atletico Madrid gives Simeone’s side genuine encouragement, but Chelsea currently hold the key. From their perspective, selling permanently makes considerably more sense than sanctioning another loan, particularly if Aston Villa enter the market with funds from Watkins’s potential departure.
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Atletico Madrid therefore face a decision. They can improve the structure of their proposal or gamble on Chelsea becoming more flexible near the deadline. Jackson may favour Madrid, but unless Los Rojiblancos can satisfy Chelsea financially, Villa could yet emerge as the more realistic destination.