In what could be one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the summer, Chelsea icon Roberto di Matteo believes that Manchester United are poised to make a swoop for Chelsea’s centre-forward Nicolas Jackson to address their ongoing striker conundrum.
Last season, Manchester United, under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, managed to finish a disappointing 15th in the Premier League, with only four teams netting fewer goals. The lack of firepower was painfully evident, as the duo of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund mustered merely seven Premier League goals between them, drawing considerable criticism.
As speculation mounts around potential departures, United are being strongly linked with a series of striking reinforcements, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s proven goal-scorer, Ollie Watkins. Yet, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also emerged as a viable target, with di Matteo suggesting that the Senegal international would be a shrewd acquisition for the Red Devils.
In conversation with BetVictor, di Matteo lauded Jackson’s abilities, stating, “Nicolas Jackson will have a few clubs looking at him. He’s a very good striker. He scores goals and he’s got some experience now in England as well.”
Reflecting on Jackson’s credentials, di Matteo continued, “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.”
Indeed, the transfer market remains ripe with possibilities, with Jackson potentially eyeing a return to Spain or assess his prospects at other suitors. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain under no immediate financial pressure to offload players thanks to their robust fiscal standing, allowing them to strategise any outgoing deals with patience.
In related developments, Cole Palmer’s future at Chelsea appears set for continuity, despite whispers of interest from European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. After a stellar showing in the Club World Cup final, Roberto di Matteo confidently compared Palmer to Chelsea’s former star Eden Hazard, projecting him as a potential Ballon d’Or contender.
According to di Matteo, “Everybody has his own style, but Cole Palmer is very difficult to mark and to defend against because he’s such an intelligent player and he always knows where to find the space…I think Cole Palmer has all the qualities to win a Ballon d’Or in his career.”
As the summer transfer window progresses, Manchester United and Aston Villa followers will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on developments surrounding Jackson, while Chelsea fans can look forward to potentially seeing more of Palmer’s burgeoning talent.
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