Chelsea’s Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson remains composed despite summer transfer rumours linking him to Manchester United following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro. Since his 2023 move from Villarreal, Jackson has faced challenges, netting 13 goals across all competitions last season.

Jackson responded to questions about competition for places, stating, “Competition? I have no competition. We’re all here to help the club. Everyone has their role to play. I’m on a mission. It’s up to the coach to make his choices. I focus solely on my work.”

He emphasized his commitment to Chelsea, adding, “I’m a Chelsea player. The future belongs to God. If there are any changes, you’ll know. For now, I’m focused on my preparation.”

With João Pedro impressing early in his Chelsea tenure, he is expected to start the Premier League season ahead of Jackson. Chelsea’s squad depth means the club could let Jackson move on if an appropriate offer emerges, especially with prospect Marc Guiu likely to go on loan to Sunderland.

Jackson has scored double digits in the Premier League across his two seasons at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea require a more prolific forward to bolster their Champions League ambitions and challenge top rivals such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

Chelsea have arranged a season-long loan for midfielder Kendry Páez at their sister club Strasbourg for the 2025–26 campaign. This move aims to advance Páez’s development in Ligue 1. Páez is the third Chelsea player to join Strasbourg on loan this summer, following defender Mamadou Sarr and goalkeeper Mike Penders, marking the full quota of loan players permitted.

In addition to these loan deals, Strasbourg has secured young defender Ishé Samuels-Smith from Chelsea on a permanent transfer for £6.5 million ($8.7 million). The 19-year-old left-back, also capable of playing centrally, joins a squad that already includes former Chelsea player Diego Moreira. Earlier this transfer window, Mathis Amougou made his permanent move to Strasbourg, continuing the collaborative flow of talent between the clubs.

The exchange extends beyond players as Filipe Coelho has departed from his position as Chelsea’s Under-21 manager after just one season to take on the assistant manager role at Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea’s strategy of loaning talents to Strasbourg has shown success. Last season’s loan midfield star Andrey Santos impressed with standout performances and high-profile transfer interest but will remain at Strasbourg this season. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović’s loan stint led to a move to Bournemouth, and American left-back Caleb Wiley’s injuries limited his stint, leading to a subsequent loan at Watford.

This ongoing partnership reflects Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing young talent through strategic placements in competitive environments, while facilitating Strasbourg’s squad strengthening through both loans and permanent signings.

Manchester United have made it clear they are not interested in a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, despite ongoing speculation. Reports suggest Chelsea remain keen on Garnacho, yet United have no intention of including Jackson as part of an exchange.

Jackson’s performance last season, marked by 13 goals in all competitions, has fallen short of expectations for a striker entering his prime. Additionally, his disciplinary record, including multiple recent send-offs, has caused frustration amongst Chelsea supporters.

Instead of pursuing Jackson, Manchester United are focused on alternative striker options. Earlier in the week, the club reportedly narrowed their list to two frontmen: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško. By midweek, Šeško emerged as the sole preferred target, with progress reportedly accelerating partly due to competition from Newcastle United, who may soon need a new striker themselves if Alexander Isak departs.

Watkins, while more established with five Premier League seasons at Aston Villa and England international experience, is considered a cheaper but older option, likely providing only a short-term solution.