Atletico Madrid move for outcast Chelsea striker as potential Julian Alvarez replacement

Atletico Madrid have spoken to Chelsea about a loan for Nicolas Jackson , with a potential obligation to buy. The London club would prefer an outright sale, as they attempt to offload a number of squad players ahead of transfer deadline day in eight days' time. With Aston Villa also considering Jackson, any move could have a knock-on effect on multiple other transfers. Chelsea themselves are understood to be open to a versatile attacker should they complete enough outgoings, with Marcus Rashford an option that has been broached. Atletico securing Jackson could meanwhile smooth Julian Alvarez 's departure - potentially to Barcelona or even Arsenal - in what is already a protracted saga. If Jackson is to go, however, Villa is currently seen as more likely due to the expectation it would be a permanent move. Atletico are understood to have approached Chelsea about a number of differently structured loans for the 25-year-old Senegalese attacker.