Napoli have made contact over a potential move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, but the Italian champions must first make room in their squad before advancing a deal.
Jackson had already emerged on Napoli’s attacking shortlist, but the situation has now moved forward.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that contacts between the relevant parties have been confirmed in the last few hours as Napoli continue assessing options to strengthen their attack.
The Serie A club are not yet in a position to complete the transfer, however.
Nicolas Jackson Napoli contacts confirmed
Napoli need to sanction departures before making a concrete move, with Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca among those who could leave.
That creates an obvious condition for Chelsea.
ReadChelsea reported earlier this week that Napoli had added Jackson to their striker shortlist, but direct contacts represent a significant step beyond simply monitoring the Senegal international.
Chelsea’s position is also becoming clearer.
The Times reports that Jackson is valued at around £65million and is currently working outside Xabi Alonso’s main training cohort.
He is not the only striker whose future remains uncertain. Chelsea have moved Liam Delap out of the No.9 shirt, with Joao Pedro now wearing the number ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Napoli could therefore provide Chelsea with another serious market for Jackson.
There is competition.
Di Marzio adds that Aston Villa are exploring centre-forward options in case Ollie Watkins leaves and could also consider Jackson, who previously worked under Unai Emery at Villarreal.
No formal Napoli bid has been reported and their need to complete an attacking sale remains a major obstacle.
For Chelsea, though, the story has now progressed beyond another club merely placing Jackson on a shortlist.
Napoli have made contact, and the next move may depend on who leaves Naples first.
