Barcelona Line Up Makes Surprise Move for Chelsea Striker Nicolas Jackson Amid Growing Uncertainty Over His Future

Barcelona have set their sights on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with club officials preparing talks over a potential loan move as the Senegal international faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Sources close to the transfer market have revealed to CaughtOffside that Barca’s sporting director Deco is keen on adding Jackson to the squad, and discussions are expected to begin soon. The Spanish giants are eyeing a backup striker who can rotate with veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, who at 36, may not be able to lead the line every week in a long season.

Chelsea, however, are understood to value Jackson at around €50 million, although Barcelona are more interested in a loan deal — a route that could benefit all parties if the player finds form and confidence in La Liga.

Nicolas Jackson joined Chelsea just over a year ago with high expectations. The 24-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in his early months, using his pace, strength, and direct style to lead the line during a transitional season for the Blues.

However, his development has hit a roadblock. Sources say Jackson has struggled to impress during pre-season, including at the Club World Cup. With Chelsea recently bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, it’s looking more and more likely that Jackson could fall down the pecking order.

One source familiar with Chelsea’s transfer dealings stated:

“The club is cautious about selling to domestic rivals,” suggesting Chelsea would prefer sending Jackson abroad rather than strengthening Premier League competitors.

Barcelona aren’t the only club monitoring the situation. Newcastle United and Aston Villa are both said to be interested in Jackson, while Napoli and AC Milan have also considered the forward.

Napoli are believed to be focusing their efforts on Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, though talks with the Reds have proven difficult. That could open the door for a move for Jackson if a deal for Núñez falls through.

AC Milan, on the other hand, have already cooled their interest due to Chelsea’s high asking price, with club officials reportedly considering the 24-year-old too expensive for their budget.

Barcelona see Jackson as a low-risk, high-reward option. With Lewandowski still expected to be their main striker, the club is looking for a mobile, energetic player who can step in when needed and offer something different up front.

Jackson’s raw talent is not in question. He scored 12 goals in all competitions for Chelsea last season, including a Premier League hat-trick against Tottenham. His ability to press high, run in behind defences, and create chances on his own makes him a good fit for Hansi Flick’s high-tempo system at the Nou Camp.

A successful loan spell could also help Jackson rebuild confidence, develop in a different environment, and potentially return to Chelsea as a more complete forward.

With interest growing from both Spain and England, Chelsea will have some tough decisions to make. Do they give up on Jackson now, or loan him out and hope he grows into the player they hoped he’d become?

A move to Barcelona would take him out of the Premier League spotlight, reduce pressure, and give him a chance to play in a system that might suit his strengths better.

For now, one thing is clear — Nicolas Jackson’s Chelsea future is hanging in the balance, and a move away from Stamford Bridge is starting to look more likely with each passing day.