Chelsea transfer news: Nicolas Jackson reveals 'he was supposed to join another club'

Jackson completed a move to Stamford Bridge in June 2023 after the Blues were able to agree a £32m deal with Villarreal.

Although the Senegal international has since attracted criticism for his inconsistency in front of goal, he has now established himself as a key player for the Premier League giants.

A total of 25 goals and nine assists have come from 59 appearances in all competitions, Chelsea more than getting their monies worth for the 23-year-old.

However, speaking in the Premier League's Big Interview, Jackson has claimed that his career could have taken a different path.

Jackson reveals Serie A interest

In January 2023, Bournemouth pulled out of a deal for Jackson because of a hamstring injury, and he has now revealed that AC Milan were interested in securing a deal around the time of the Chelsea transfer six months later.

Jackson said: "I was actually supposed to go to another club, some teams were there, I think Milan, then my agent told me forget about that we're going to Chelsea.

"I said "ah good". he said too much pressure? No don't worry, If I wasn't ready I won't go, I know I'm ready that's why I came to Chelsea.

"I know the pressure there and I heard strikers that came to Chelsea and had a tough time but I was ready to face that.

"Some of my friends told me in national team don't go to Chelsea too much pressure. I said "bro, we're different, I don't even want to listen to you." That's why I don't listen to some people you know."

"[Mauricio] Pochettino helped me a lot last year and the players."

Just over three weeks later, AC Milan signed Noah Okafor from Red Bull Salzburg, seemingly as an alternative to Jackson.

What else has Jackson said?

Speaking in the same interview, Jackson insisted that he was pleased to receive criticism from various sources, claiming that it motivated him to prove them wrong.

Jackson has scored eight goals and three assists in 14 Premier League starts since Enzo Maresca arrived at Chelsea during the summer.

Written by

Darren Plant