Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson 'picks next club' with five teams circling for transfer

Newcastle United strongly appeals to Nicolas Jackson as the Chelsea striker prepares to leave for a new challenge this summer, according to reports. At least five clubs are circling Jackson, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Enzo Maresca has splashed over £80million to recruit Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion as his new strikers. It has left Jackson on the periphery of his squad, as well as Tyrique George, who is also expected to leave permanently before the summer transfer deadline.

According to The Sun, Bayern Munich have made contact with Jackson's representatives over a potential swoop after losing Jamal Musiala to a long-term injury.

The Bundesliga giants are said to be among the few clubs in Europe that could still afford the 24-year-old at this stage of the summer.

However, it's claimed that Jackson wants to remain in the Premier League if the opportunity arises, with two clubs linked.

Aston Villa are thought to have expressed an interest after manager Unai Emery worked with the Senegal international at Villarreal.

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But Newcastle are also in the frame as Eddie Howe prepares to replace Alexander Isak, who is aggressively pushing to seal a move to Liverpool.

And a St. James' Park switch is said to be of serious interest to Jackson, considering it offers the chance to stay in the Premier League as well as Champions League football.

The report adds that AC Milan and Napoli are also admirers, but Chelsea's valuation of £70m to £80m could prove problematic.

Newcastle have been linked with Ollie Watkins, Samu and Randal Kolo Muani, among others, as they hunt for a new frontman.

They have already missed out on Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who opted for moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively.

But Jackson is an attractive alternative, and Maresca has left the door wide open for his departure in the coming weeks.

Earlier this summer, he said: "Nico is okay. He's okay. When the transfer window is open, unfortunately or fortunately, anything can happen. This also involves Nico's situation.

"At the moment, we have two new strikers, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, both of whom are currently in the USA. So we will see what happens."