Chelsea slap huge £100m price tag on Nicolas Jackson to ward off AC Milan despite signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro during summer transfer window

AC Milan are reportedly evaluating a group of six forwards as potential additions to bolster their attack ahead of the new season, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson among the names under serious consideration. Despite Chelsea maintaining a firm stance that the striker is not for sale unless a substantial offer is made, Milan are confident Jackson may be attainable, especially given the player’s recent dip in form and apparent slide down the pecking order.

• Milan eager to sign Jackson
• Chelsea reluctant to sell forward
• Have slapped a £100m valuation on him

WHAT HAPPENED?

New arrivals Pedro and Delap have quickly earned Enzo Maresca's trust, leapfrogging Jackson in the race for regular minutes. Moreover, his output has dropped significantly since the start of the calendar year, with only four goals to his name over that period, which makes Milan optimistic about their chances to snap him up.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Jackson and continue to insist on a valuation in the region of £100 million ($135m). This figure may serve more as a deterrent than an actual price tag, as the Blues are reportedly in no urgent need to offload the 24-year-old.

DID YOU KNOW?

Milan’s interest comes as the Italian giants look to rebuild their forward line. Tammy Abraham, who had spent last season on loan from Roma, has since moved to Besiktas, while the club also parted ways with Luka Jovic following the expiration of his contract.

WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

Milan have received indications from those close to Jackson that the player may be open to a switch to Serie A should the right conditions be met. Though there is interest on both sides, the biggest obstacle remains Chelsea’s valuation.

The Rossoneri have previously done business with Chelsea, having signed players such as Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic in recent seasons. Those successful deals could smooth the path for negotiations, should the Blues entertain a formal offer.