Chelsea star breaks silence on Man Utd transfer with four-word 'competition' claim

Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has insisted "I have no competition" at Stamford Bridge as speculation links him with a move away from the club.

The forward has been strongly tipped for a move to Manchester United, who are desperately seeking more firepower for the new season after Ruben Amorim grew frustrated with a lack of clinical finishing from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

There have even been suggestions of a swap deal between Chelsea and United for Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho, who has fallen out with Amorim.

Jackson had a solid season for Chelsea last term as he netted 10 times in the Premier League and chipped in with another three goals in the UEFA Conference League - scoring in the final as the team beat Real Betis 4-1 - notching 13 in 37 games in all competitions.

But there have been demands from fans and pundits for Jackson to score more goals and Jackson now appears to have slipped down the pecking order after Chelsea signed Ipswich striker Liam Delap for £30m and Joao Pedro from Brighton for £60m, with the latter starring in their FIFA Club World Cup triumph.

READ MORE: Man Utd confirm transfer stance on surprise swap deal with Chelsea

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Jackson, however, has now hit back at the suggestion that the club's new signings meant that he had a battle to be first choice up front under Enzo Maresca and claimed every player "has their role to play".

"Competition? I have no competition," he told DSports TV. "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."

Jackson was coy on his future and said he was focused on playing for Chelsea as things stood, saying he had no control over any "changes" that could come.

"I’m a Chelsea player," he said. "The future belongs to God. If there are any changes, you’ll know. For now, I’m focused on my preparation. It’s football, there are ups and downs. Last season we won two trophies. There were difficult moments, moments of glory. Every season is like that. But the most important thing is to stay focused, to learn, and to grow in the face of adversity."

Jackson has netted a total of 30 goals in 81 appearances since joining Chelsea for around £32million from Villarreal in 2023, including 17 in his first season. Despite links to United, it's understood the Red Devils have ruled out a move for Jackson because Chelsea are demanding between £80m and £100m - and have since pressed on with a move for Red Bull Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Mirror Football reported this week how Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins had been United's No.1 target above Jackson as Ruben Amorim looks for more proven experience in the Premier League, having already signed wingers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

But with Villa demanding £60m for 29-year-old Watkins, United have prioritised Sesko's signature given that he will cost roughly the same price, but represents better value for money as he is five years younger.

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