Chelsea's real advantage in £80m Nicolas Jackson battle with Man Utd emerges

Chelsea icon Roberto Di Matteo believes that the club are in a strong position regarding the potential sale of Nicolas Jackson. Jackson, 24, has caught the eye of several clubs this summer.

Despite interest from Italian giants AC Milan and Napoli, reports suggest Jackson is keen on remaining in the Premier League.

Manchester United have now emerged as the frontrunners to sign Jackson, with Chelsea looking to bank £80 million for the striker. It's understood that discussions have already taken place between the player's agents and United's representatives over a move.

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Yet, with United desperate for attacking reinforcements, former Chelsea manager Di Matteo is certain that his old side can stand firm and demand a significant sum for the Senegalese forward, given there's no pressing need at Stamford Bridge to sell players.

Speaking to BetVictor, who offer the latest online casino games, Di Matteo said: "Chelsea are in a great position that they are not forced to sell.

"They have a number of players that are on the market and they can raise some funds from there, so they are in no hurry to sell. They are in a good financial position, so it really depends on what clubs are prepared to pay.”

Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge has been cast into doubt following Chelsea's £85m double swoop for Brighton's Joao Pedro and Ipswich's Liam Delap. Both new arrivals made their mark during Chelsea's triumphant Club World Cup run, prompting Jackson to weigh up his alternatives.

United have secured Matheus Cunha for £62.5m from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo for £71m from Brentford. However, after being knocked back in their pursuit of Arsenal-bound Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool's new acquisition Hugo Ekitike, Ruben Amorim remains determined to land a centre-forward before the new campaign kicks off.

Regardless of whether United make their move, Di Matteo reckons Jackson will be spoilt for choice should he depart west London this summer, reports Football London.

"Nicolas Jackson will have a few clubs looking at him," Di Matteo added. "He's a very good striker. He scores goals and he's got some experience now in England as well. I think he would have some clubs chasing him and he might want to go somewhere where he's maybe more wanted than at Chelsea.

"I could see him joining Manchester United, and there are other clubs that are looking for him. Aston Villa could be one if they lose Morgan Rogers."

Since arriving from Villarreal in June 2023, Jackson has netted 31 times for the Blues. With his contract running until 2033, Chelsea are under no pressure to offload the striker, and Di Matteo can even envisage a scenario where Jackson remains in west London to battle for his spot.

"There are a number of clubs, but he might go back to Spain as well, who knows. Should Nicolas Jackson stay and fight for his place at Chelsea? It depends on his own ideas and his motivation," Di Matteo said.

"When your manager wants to sign two new strikers, it doesn't bode very well for yourself. Having said that, if he sticks around, I like him, I like him very much I have to say. I like him as a player - but he might decide to go and find fortune somewhere else."

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