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Chelsea transfer news: Atletico Madrid 'express' interest in disgruntled forward

By Ben Sully | 19 June 2024

Atletico 'express' interest in disgruntled Chelsea forward

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is reportedly one of the players who is upset with Mauricio Pochettino's departure, amid links with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly expressed an interest to sign disgruntled Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegal international joined Chelsea last summer after completing a £35m transfer from Spanish side Villarreal.

Jackson struggled for consistency for some period of his maiden Premier League campaign, but he still managed to finish the season with 14 goals in 35 top-flight appearances.

Chelsea are currently searching the transfer market to sign a striker to provide competition for Jackson next season.

However, there is seemingly some doubt as to whether the 23-year-old will remain a Chelsea player for the 2024-25 campaign.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring against Brentford on March 2, 2024 © Reuters

Jackson disappointed by Pochettino exit

According to talkSPORT, Jackson is one of the players who has been left disgruntled by the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine left the club at the end of the season despite leading the Blues to the EFL Cup final, the FA Cup semi-finals and a sixth-placed finish.

Although he experienced a positive finish to the campaign, Pochettino agreed to part ways by mutual content after just one year in the role due to reported differences with the Chelsea hierarchy.

Jackson appeared to have enjoyed working with the 52-year-old and was entrusted to start 31 of the club's 38 Premier League matches.

The forward is believed to be a target for Spanish giants Atletico, who are interested in offering him a return to La Liga.

Ex-Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino on May 11, 2024 © Reuters

Chelsea outline Jackson transfer stance

However, Diego Simeone's side will have a near-impossible task to convince Chelsea to part ways with Jackson this summer.

Chelsea have no intention of selling Jackson this summer despite his disappointment with Pochettino's departure.

The Blues are certainly under no pressure to sanction a sale, with the striker under contract until the summer of June 2031.

Jackson's current focus will be on recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained in Senegal's 2026 World Cup qualifier against DR Congo earlier this month.

The forward will want to be ready to play a significant part in pre-season, especially as he will be keen to impress new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.