Atletico Madrid explore Nicolas Jackson deal as Alvarez exit looms

Atletico Madrid have made contact with Chelsea over a possible move for Nicolas Jackson, the Senegalese forward who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, in a deal that could be closely tied to Julian Alvarez's expected departure from the Spanish club. With the transfer window edging toward its close, both sides are trying to line up moves that solve pressing squad issues before deadline day.

• Atletico have proposed several loan structures to Chelsea for Jackson, some including a potential obligation to buy.
• Chelsea would rather sell the striker outright as they look to trim their squad before the deadline.
• Aston Villa are also monitoring Jackson, and their interest could tip the move toward a permanent transfer instead.
• Julian Alvarez is being strongly linked with Barcelona and even Arsenal in a saga that has dragged on for weeks.
• Chelsea have floated Marcus Rashford as a possible replacement forward if enough outgoing deals are completed first.

Why Atletico Madrid have turned to Nicolas Jackson

Jackson arrived at Chelsea from Villarreal as one of the club's long-term attacking projects, but inconsistent form and growing competition up front have pushed him down the pecking order. For Atletico, who need to bolster their forward line if Alvarez leaves, a 25-year-old with Premier League experience and clear room to develop looks like an appealing option, particularly if the move can be structured as a loan that limits the financial risk for the Spanish side.

Julian Alvarez's uncertain future at Atletico

Alvarez's situation has become one of the summer's longest-running transfer storylines. The Argentine forward, a key figure in Atletico's attack since joining the club, is understood to want a change of scenery, with Barcelona emerging as the leading contender in recent weeks, though Arsenal have not ruled themselves out of the race either. Should Alvarez depart, Atletico would need a reliable replacement without delay, a role Jackson could fill if the move to the Metropolitano goes through.

Aston Villa emerge as rivals for the striker

Atletico are not alone in pursuing Jackson. Aston Villa are also weighing up a move, and the key difference between the two approaches lies in structure: while the Spanish club is offering loan-based options, Villa are seen as a more straightforward proposition for Chelsea because their interest points toward a permanent sale. That distinction could ultimately steer both player and club toward the Midlands rather than Madrid.

What Chelsea want from offloading squad players

Chelsea remain in the middle of a squad overhaul that has become familiar in recent transfer windows under the club's current ownership, which has prioritised rotating younger talent while controlling net spending. Moving Jackson on, whether through a sale or a loan with an obligation to buy, fits neatly into that broader plan. The club is also said to be open to bringing in a versatile forward if enough departures are finalised first, with Marcus Rashford one name that has been discussed internally.