Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as they plan for the possible exit of star striker Alexander Isak.
According to new reports, manager Eddie Howe is stepping up his search for a new centre-forward after Isak signaled his desire to leave St. James’ Park during the ongoing transfer window.
The situation has been further intensified by Liverpool’s growing interest in Isak.
The Merseyside giants are believed to be serious contenders for his signature and are rumored to be preparing a substantial bid for the Swedish international. If Isak departs, Newcastle will need a reliable replacement at the spearhead of their attack, prompting the club to draw up a list of potential signings.
Among those being considered is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Senegalese forward has emerged as a serious target. Jackson, 24, joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 for a fee in the region of £32 million and signed a long-term contract running until 2033.
Last season, he found the back of the net 10 times in 30 Premier League appearances and has been steadily attracting attention from several top European clubs, including Manchester United.
Chelsea are understood to value the striker at around £50 million, which could become the starting point for any potential negotiations. In total, Jackson has featured in 81 matches across all competitions for the Blues, registering 30 goals and 12 assists.
Aside from Newcastle and Manchester United, clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are also believed to have made enquiries through his representatives, highlighting the level of demand for his services.
The player’s future at Stamford Bridge has come into question following Chelsea’s recent attacking reinforcements. The arrivals of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton have increased the competition for the starting striker role, potentially opening the door for Jackson to consider a move elsewhere in search of regular game time.
While Jackson is high on Newcastle’s shortlist, the club is simultaneously exploring alternative options to strengthen their frontline.
Among the other strikers linked are Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa—who impressed with 19 Premier League goals last season—and RB Leipzig’s young talent Benjamin Sesko, for whom Newcastle are believed to have submitted an initial enquiry.
With Isak’s future still uncertain, the coming weeks could be pivotal for Newcastle’s transfer strategy. Whether they push forward for Jackson or pivot to another target will likely depend on how negotiations unfold with Liverpool and the final outcome of the Swedish star’s potential move.
