Arsenal’s quest for a striker has taken an unexpected turn as reports suggest they may target Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson if their primary pursuits for Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko prove fruitless. The Gunners, who secured a commendable second-place finish in the previous Premier League season, are looking to bolster their attacking options and have been linked with Gyokeres, Sesko, Ollie Watkins, and Alexander Isak.
According to Duncan Castles of The Times, Arsenal are monitoring the situation surrounding Jackson, who moved to Chelsea from Villarreal two years prior. In his tenure at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old has netted 30 goals in 80 appearances, but his position remains uncertain due to Chelsea’s continued recruitment of forwards, including the recent addition of Liam Delap.
Chelsea have reportedly agreed on a £60m transfer for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, potentially leaving Jackson surplus to requirements. Castles revealed on The Transfers Podcast that Arsenal may consider Jackson as a viable option if their pursuit of other targets does not materialise.
Speaking on Arsenal’s strategy, Castles explained: “Mikel Arteta has revised his preference from a small squad to a larger one after last season’s injury woes hindered their title challenge.” He also detailed complications in Arsenal’s other pursuits, Gyokeres is embroiled in a stand-off with Sporting, and Sesko has requested a contract release clause that Arsenal finds unpalatable.
Additionally, while Arsenal probed a possible move for Ollie Watkins in January, Aston Villa rebuffed any advances. However, Watkins is believed to remain open to a switch if a suitable offer arises, especially given Arsenal’s potential to challenge for the Premier League title.
Chelsea, while not actively seeking Jackson’s departure, are reportedly open to considering significant offers, as he is not deemed indispensable. An Arsenal move for Jackson would indeed be surprising, given the direct transfer from their London rivals. Yet with negotiations for Sesko and Gyokeres stalling, Arsenal supporters will be watching closely as the transfer window unfolds.
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