Napoli ‘open transfer talks for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson with Benoit Badiashile also set to join Italians’

NAPOLI have reportedly opened talks with Chelsea over a potential move for striker Nicolas Jackson as the summer transfer window enters its final days. The 25-year-old Senegal international has attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer, with Aston Villa among those to have considered a move for the forward. Nicolas Jackson is one of the players who will likely leave Chelsea before the transfer window shuts Credit: Getty The Senegalese striker has interest from the Premier League and clubs in Europe Credit: Reuters Villa’s interest in Jackson was sparked by uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins, whose future remains unclear despite the club’s determination to keep him. Villa have rejected three offers for Watkins and have made it clear to both the player and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal that their preference is for him to stay at Villa Park. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Dream Team is back, free, and there’s £100,000 up for grabs! The club have also offered the England striker a new contract running until 2030. However, Villa are unable to match the wages on offer from Al-Hilal, meaning the possibility of Watkins leaving remains. Should Watkins depart, Jackson would be an obvious candidate to help fill the void in Unai Emery‘s squad. But according to Sky Italy, Napoli have now made their move by opening discussions with Chelsea over a possible deal for Jackson. The Italian champions would reportedly need to sell a player before they could complete a move for Jackson, even if they are able to reach an agreement with Chelsea. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Noa Lang has been linked with a departure from Napoli, while the club have also been credited with interest in alternative attacking options including Gabriel Jesus and Joshua Zirkzee. Most read in Sport Jackson is not the only Chelsea player Napoli are reportedly discussing, either. The two clubs are also understood to be in talks over a potential move for defender Benoit Badiashile. Chelsea have a sizeable number of central defenders on their books and are expected to reduce that number significantly before the transfer window closes. Napoli are are also speaking to Benoit Badiashile Credit: Getty The Chelsea Blueprint on YouTube Calling all Chelsea fans - we have a brand new YouTube channel! The arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace has added further competition in the position, while Levi Colwill‘s return to full fitness will provide another option at the heart of the defence. Chelsea are also said to be keen to retain the services of Josh Acheampong, who has continued to impress and develop rapidly. That could leave Badiashile among the players whose futures need to be resolved as Chelsea look to streamline their defensive options before the deadline. Comment now