Arsenal have reportedly added Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson to their list of targets, as they continue their search for a new centre-forward this summer, journalist Duncan Castles has revealed.
The Gunners have already all-but-announced transfers for a number of players already this summer, including Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard for the midfield as well as Kepa Arizzabalaga as second-choice goalkeeper.
But boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a striker to truly strengthen his team’s chances of competing for major silverware next season, and Arsenal are likely to fulfill this demand in the coming months.
Arsenal Eyeing Jackson Move
The Blues forward has emerged as a target
As per Castles, via the Transfers Podcast, Arsenal are assessing their options at centre-forward and a ‘surprise’ name has been added to the shortlist. He said:
“We can add an extra name in this week. Obviously, Benjamin Sesko has been a key figure in their list of targets.
“Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa striker, who’s been a regular and reliable source of Premier league goals for several seasons now. Arsenal supporter. Arsenal explored signing him in January. Aston Villa said, ‘No, you will not be taking a key forward’ at that point. But Watkins, I’m told, would be open to a move to Arsenal were that to emerge.
“And then there’s one more name that I’ve become aware of this week, which may come as a surprise, which is Nicholas Jackson, the Chelsea striker who’s had an interesting time in his two years at Chelsea, scored 24 goals in 10 assists and 65 Premier League appearances across the two seasons, but never really nailed down his place as a starting striker”
|
Nicolas Jackson’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
30 |
|
Goals |
10 |
|
Assists |
5 |
|
Shots per 90 |
3.08 |
|
Key Passes per 90 |
1.13 |
Arsenal could see Jackson as a more affordable option in comparison to their alternative targets, as negotiations for Sesko have currently stalled due to a steep €80 million (£68 million) release clause. Reports suggest he could be sold for a fee near to the £47 million mark.
With 13 goals last term, Jackson may not be the reliable goalscorer fans at Arsenal are demanding, but he has previously been praised as one of the ‘best centre-forwards in the Premier League’, and former legend Thierry Henry once shared glowing words of praise for the 24-year-old.
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Statistics courtesy of FBRef.com – Correct as of 29/06/2025
