Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson may reportedly be the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.
The Blues are currently struggling in the absence of their first-choice striker, who missed Friday's 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion with a hamstring injury.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has since suggested that Chelsea have been left in no doubt regarding the importance of having the Senegal international in their attack.
That is despite the 23-year-old not getting on the scoresheet for Chelsea since December 15, his tally for the season still reading nine goals and five assists from his 23 Premier League appearances.
Nevertheless, according to The Sun, Chelsea officials may be presented with an opportunity to cash in on Jackson at the end of the season.
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Atletico plotting Jackson bid
The report suggests that Atletico are long-term admirers of Jackson, likely starting from his time with La Liga rivals Villarreal.
Prior to his switch to Stamford Bridge, Jackson provided 12 goals and four assists from 26 Spanish top-flight appearances in 2022-23.
That convinced Chelsea to commit to a £32m deal and they have since been rewarded for their faith with 26 goals and 11 assists from 68 outings.
Jackson also possesses a contract until 2033, his future currently in line to be spent at Chelsea, yet it may be dependent on the size of proposal presented by Atletico.
With Antoine Griezmann being continuously linked with MLS, Diego Simeone could be in the market for a replacement, Julian Alvarez able to take over the reins from the France international.
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At what point would Chelsea consider a sale?
There is a long-standing argument that Chelsea require a new number nine to challenge for major honours, it becoming clear in two matches versus Brighton that Christopher Nkunku is not a suitable alternative to Jackson.
If any of Chelsea's three strikers are to leave in the summer, the expectation is that it will be Nkunku, with Jackson and Marc Guiu the kind of pressing forwards that Maresca favours.
All things considered, it would likely take a bid of at least £60m for Chelsea to consider cashing in on Jackson, particularly when he also brings versatility on the flanks.
Aston Villa - managed by Unai Emery who was Jackson's boss at Villarreal - are also said to be monitoring the situation.
Darren Plant
