Arsenal Consider Chelsea Striker Nicolas Jackson Amid Kai Havertz Injury

Arsenal are weighing up a late-window move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson after the injury setback suffered by Kai Havertz.

Mikel Arteta has been left short in attack with Havertz sidelined and Gabriel Jesus still on the comeback trail from his long-term knee problem.

Viktor Gyokeres remains Arsenal’s only fit recognised striker, raising the possibility of reinforcements before the window shuts on September 1.

Arsenal Transfer News: Nicolas Jackson Emerges as Option

Jackson has become available at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea open to cashing in at around £60million.

Having slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, the Senegal international is thought to be open to a move across London.

It would hardly be the first time Arsenal have turned to Chelsea for reinforcements.

Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have regularly looked to Stamford Bridge, bringing in Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Willian, Raheem Sterling, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke in recent seasons.

The healthy relationship between the two clubs could once again smooth the path for a deal.

However, Arsenal are not alone in their admiration. Aston Villa and Newcastle United also hold an interest in Nicolas Jackson, but any serious move could spark a bidding battle that complicates Arsenal’s plans.

Could Arsenal Sign Ollie Watkins?

While Jackson looks the more attainable option, Arsenal have long admired Ollie Watkins, who was previously the subject of a rejected bid from the Gunners in January.

Villa remain adamant that the England international is not for sale, though Arsenal are understood to be keeping the door ajar for a late push should their other pursuits stall.

Watkins’ well-documented admiration for Arsenal, his boyhood club, only fuels speculation that a deal could eventually materialise — albeit at a significant cost, with Villa valuing him in the £60m range.

Premier League Striker Domino Effect

Arsenal’s striker search may be part of a broader late-window domino effect.

If Newcastle were to land Jackson, their stance on Alexander Isak could shift — especially with Liverpool maintaining an interest in the Swede as a possible long-term successor to Mohamed Salah as their talisman.

That in turn would ripple back into Arsenal’s plans, potentially accelerating their need to secure a frontman before the deadline.

For now, Jackson looks the most realistic option, but Watkins remains a name to watch as Arsenal prepare for what could be a frantic finale to the summer window.

Alternatively, Arsenal may turn to Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino to provide cover for Gyokeres, and instead push for a left winger to bolster their options in attack.

Eberechi Eze looks set to join Tottenham despite early interest from the Gunners, but Mikel Arteta’s side could turn to Rodrygo, who is struggling for minutes at Real Madrid.