Manchester United have reportedly made a shock transfer enquiry for a Chelsea star in a bid to strengthen a problematic position.
United looking for attacking reinforcements
Heading into the summer transfer window, adding goals to the team was United’s top priority after a toothless 2024/25 campaign in which consistently finding the back of the net proved to be a problem.
The striker position in particular was a big gap in the team, as Rasmus Hojlund once again struggled with the demands of leading the line for the club. The Dane managed just four Premier League goals, and if there were any lingering doubts, it’s now crystal clear he isn’t ready to be United’s main man up front.
United remain on the hunt for a new striker, as they continue to be linked to the lines of Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Vikto Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Moise Kean (Fiorentina) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (free agent).
Now, it has emerged that the Red Devils have added one more name to their list – Nicolas Jackson.
United establish contact to ask about Jackson
According to French journalist Nabil Djellit, United and Aston Villa are both interested in Jackson and have asked about the conditions of a deal.
Djellit wrote on X, “Info: the door is open for Nicolas Jackson [to leave] Chelsea for around €70M.”
“A decision will be made after the FIFA Club World Cup. He could stay or leave…”
“Some English clubs have made inquiries (Aston Villa, Manchester United, etc). In Italy, Napoli are interested.”
Info : la porte est ouverte pour Nicolas Jackson à environ 70 M€ pour Chelsea. Un point sera fait après #FIFACWC25. Il peut rester comme partir… Des clubs anglais ont pris des renseignements (Aston Villa, MU etc…). En Italie, Naples est intéressé. #Mercato pic.twitter.com/bjaCIGsbpt
— Nabil Djellit (@Nabil_djellit) July 12, 2025
Jackson joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from La Liga outfit Villarreal, in a deal worth around £32m. He has since scored 30 goals for the Blues in 81 appearances. This tally includes the 13 goals in 37 matches that he managed last term.
While his numbers are decent, Jackson has yet to become a force in the Premier League, which could explain why Chelsea are open to offloading him just two years after his arrival.
Chelsea have also signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro from Ipswich Town and Brighton respectively, which means there is more competition for Jackson.
Jackson reacted poorly to Delap starting in his place during Chelsea’s victory over Flamengo, coming off the bench only to be sent off for a reckless challenge just moments later. Pedro’s debut brace, which secured Chelsea’s place in the Club World Cup final against PSG, has also likely done very little to improve Jackson’s standing.
It remains to be seen whether United are indeed pursuing the 24-year-old and if so, whether they make a concrete move to add him to Ruben Amorim’s ranks.
Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
