Chelsea want to extend 23-year-old star's contract after finalising new deal for Cole Palmer - Reports
Chelsea are reportedly keen to extend the contract of striker Nicolas Jackson after reaching a similar agreement with Cole Palmer this summer. The Blues are looking to tie down their best performers on improved terms to keep them at the club for the foreseeable future.
Fresh from a 25-goal, 15-assist season, Chelsea handed Palmer a two-year contract extension on a higher salary ahead of next season. This is in keeping with the determination of the club's American owners to provide incentives for the side's best-performing players.
Matt Law reported that the club's hierarchy is now willing to go the same way with Senegal international Jackson on the back of an impressive season at the club. The 23-year-old joined from Villarreal for around £30 million and led the line admirably throughout the 2023-24 season.
Nicolas Jackson finished his debut season with 14 goals and five assists in 35 league appearances for his club. He also scored two goals and provided an assist in five FA Cup matches and scored one more goal in four Carabao Cup games.
Chelsea bumped Palmer up from previously earning around £80,000 weekly to earning north of £120,000 and are looking to do the same for Jackson. The former Villarreal man is reportedly set to receive a two-year extension, which will keep him at the club until 2033, like Palmer.
Jackson proved his worth in the 2023-24 season despite it being only his first season in the Premier League. The striker has been out injured all summer and only made his return to the pitch in the Blues' final pre-season game against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca is expected to have Jackson feature in the opener against Manchester City as he showed his sharpness in the Inter friendly. He will likely start the season as the club's first-choice striker as well.
Chelsea set for face-to-face talks with Serie A side over priority exit - Reports
Chelsea are prepared to hold face-to-face talks with the representatives of Serie A outfit Napoli over a move for outcast Romelu Lukaku, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Belgian striker is training with the club's U-21s after being deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge once again.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte is keen on the striker, and an agreement is already in place between Lukaku and the Italian club. The striker spent the 2023-24 season on loan at AS Roma before returning to the Blues this summer.
Chelsea slapped a £37 million price tag on Lukaku, a fee Napoli are unwilling to match. The Blues may reportedly choose to use Lukaku as a makeweight in their own pursuit of Napoli star Victor Osimhen.