Napoli open talks with Chelsea over a deal for out-of-favour striker Nicolas Jackson

Napoli open talks with Chelsea over a deal for out-of-favour striker Nicolas Jackson Napoli have entered the race to sign out-of-favour Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Serie A club has contacted Chelsea to inquire about what it would take to sign the Senegal international. Jackson is among several centre-forwards Napoli are considering.  Contacts between Napoli and Chelsea have been confirmed, although there is currently no indication that the Italian club have made a formal offer for the 25-year-old striker. Chelsea reportedly value Jackson at around £60 million, which could put off interested clubs. The Blues are looking to cash in on the Senegalese striker and have offered him to several clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa. However, none of them have made any concrete move to sign Jackson, so Napoli’s interest could be important for Chelsea as they look to create genuine competition for the Senegalese striker. The two clubs are already involved in another deal. Napoli have agreed to take centre-back Benoit Badiashile on a season-long loan. The agreement reportedly includes a £2.6m loan fee and an option to buy worth around £23m. A second negotiation involving Jackson could now develop, although Napoli must first make room in their squad and budget.  The club are working on potential departures, including Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca, and those sales could determine whether they can make a serious move for another forward. Jackson’s future has become increasingly uncertain after he was left out of Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad.  He has also been training separately from the rest of the Chelsea first team squad while his future is being sorted out. Joao Pedro scored twice in that game and ended the summer with seven goals, although it was never in doubt that he’d go into the new campaign as Chelsea’s first-choice striker. Atletico are keeping an eye on Jackson’s situation as they fight to keep Julian Alvarez away from Barcelona. They could return for the Chelsea star if they lose Alvarez to Barca. Meanwhile, Villa have been exploring striker options in case Ollie Watkins leaves.