When Atletico Madrid kick off the La Liga season on Sunday against Villarreal at home, it will be without Alexander Sørloth, who will probably start training with the team again this week, but who is not quite ready to play in six days.
Manager Diego Simeone, who was a long-time member of Juventus, has come to terms with the fact that he will stay with Juventus for at least one more season. – Alexander Sørloth, on the other hand, is on Newcastle’s lists again.
Atlético chase Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson – could be key in striker hunt
– 69 million euros for the Senegalese – but Simeone gets a fight from the Premier League
Atlético Madrid want to strengthen their attack before the window closes, and now they have their sights set on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. The 25-year-old is valued at £60 million – around €69 million – and could be the solution to Simeone’s striker concerns.
Jackson is back at Chelsea this summer after a loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he recorded 8 goals and 3 assists in the 2025/26 season. Now he is being considered for sale, and Atlético are far from alone in their interest.
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According to RMC Sports’ Fabrice Hawkins, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also following the striker, which means that Mateu Alemany will need to act quickly if he is to secure the Senegalese.
Sørloth’s injury opens the door
The search for a new striker has become more acute for Atlético after Alexander Sørloth suffered a muscle injury and is now out for about four weeks. That means the Norwegian will miss the first few LaLiga games – and Diego Simeone has fewer attacking options than desired.
With Julián Álvarez, Sørloth and Arnau Ortiz as the only pure strikers – and with Sørloth out – Simeone has also used Ademola Lookman as an offensive reference in the pre-season. But it is clear that the club wants more breadth.
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Jackson knows LaLiga from before
Jackson is no stranger to Spanish football. He came up through Villarreal’s academy and played 48 official games for the yellow shirt, with 13 goals, before being sold to Chelsea in 2023.
His short time in LaLiga, combined with his experience at Bayern and the Premier League, makes him an interesting candidate for Simeone’s style of play – fast, physical and with spatial awareness.
Chelsea demand €69 million
The transfer fee will probably be decisive. Chelsea have a strong negotiating position and want around €69 million for the 25-year-old. It is a significant investment, and Atlético will have to prioritise who they want to bet on in the last two weeks of the window.
Mateu Alemany’s plan is to complete two signings: one striker and one winger. Jackson is one of several options in the striker hunt, but with Aston Villa and Tottenham in the picture, Atlético may have to decide quickly.
The question is whether Jackson will go from being an alternative to becoming a real negotiation case. Chelsea are open to considering his future for around €69 million – and with several clubs interested, it could be one of the most exciting matches in the closing stages of the window.
