Chelsea have been one of the busiest teams in all of Europe this summer. But that has not stopped the Blues and it looks like they are hoping to conduct plenty more business before the transfer window slams shut, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. Unfortunately, there seems to be some bad news in that regard.
One player who could be on his way out of Chelsea this summer is Nicolas Jackson. Two strikers have been added to Enzo Maresc's ranks so far, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap coming in, and impressing at the recent Club World Cup.
That has meant that Jackson has slipped down the pecking order and there are some rumours in the English media that he prefers to leave this summer rather than stay and compete for his place in the team. Of course, if that does happen, Chelsea would want to bring in as big of a transfer fee as possible.
There has been some speculation about FC Barcelona being a potential destination for the former Villarreal striker. But recent comments have poured cold water on those expectations.
Chelsea handed €50 million transfer blow by FC Barcelona
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, in an interview with Joan Laporta, the FC Barcelona president said when asked about further signings this summer:
"In principle, no. We have a squad, and the coach wants to add players from Barça Atlètic to the first team, but no new additions are expected at this time."
That seems to be the end of any hopes that Jackson would end up at Barcelona this summer. The club have rarely spent big on transfer fees in recent years anyway.
Other teams like Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and more continue to be linked with Jackson. But there is a belief that Chelsea would not want to send him to a direct Premier League rival and strengthen them.
There is a lot to like about Jackson's game. So, if an exit does not transpire, it could be a positive for Chelsea as well. Perhaps the added competition will bring the best out of someone like him.