Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, with the Red Devils keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to Football Transfers, United have identified the 23-year-old Senegalese international as a potential alternative to big-money targets Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyökeres. With uncertainty surrounding United’s financial ability to land either of their top targets, Jackson has emerged as a more attainable option.

Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in July 2023 and has had a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge. While his finishing has drawn criticism from some fans, his overall numbers paint a more promising picture. The striker had 18 goal contributions in all competitions last season — 13 goals and five assists — in under 2,500 minutes of football across 34 appearances.

Despite interest from Old Trafford, Chelsea are reportedly reluctant to let Jackson leave. The Blues see the young forward as a valuable part of their long-term project under Enzo Maresca and are unlikely to sanction a move to a direct Premier League rival.

Jackson’s pace, physicality and ability to press from the front have made him a notable presence in Chelsea’s frontline, and at just 23, the club believes there is more development to come. However, with United expected to push for a new striker this summer, this could become a transfer saga to watch closely in the weeks ahead.