Bayern Munich are making headlines once again as the summer transfer window edges towards its dramatic conclusion. The Bundesliga champions, fresh off a resounding 6-0 opening day victory over RB Leipzig, are not resting on their laurels. Instead, they're actively seeking to bolster their attack, with their sights set firmly on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. With the clock ticking and negotiations intensifying, the football world is abuzz with speculation and anticipation.
The need for attacking reinforcements at Bayern became even more pressing following the departures of Kingsley Coman and Paul Wanner. Despite their impressive start to the season, the Bavarians know that squad depth is vital for a long campaign, especially with their ambitions extending deep into both domestic and European competitions. According to reports from August 25 and 26, 2025, Bayern's management has identified Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson as top targets to fill the void.
However, securing these players has proven to be anything but straightforward. Bayern Munich's preferred option is a loan deal, reflecting a cautious approach in the transfer market. This strategy, though, has met stiff resistance from Chelsea, who are intent on permanent transfers—particularly for Jackson. The London club, recently crowned Club World Cup champions, are in the midst of their own squad overhaul. After signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to strengthen their options up front, Chelsea are eager to make space for new signings, including Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho. But these incoming deals hinge on the departures of Nkunku and Jackson.
Of the two, negotiations for Nicolas Jackson have advanced the furthest. Multiple sources, including Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk, confirm that Bayern Munich and Jackson have agreed on personal terms. The Senegalese forward, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, has found himself out of favor under new manager Enzo Maresca. The arrivals of Delap and Joao Pedro have pushed Jackson further down the pecking order, prompting his decision to seek a new challenge. As Christian Falk reported, "Bayern and Nicolas Jackson (24) have an Agreement. Now negotiations with Chelsea. Bayern want a loan-deal."
Jackson's record at Chelsea is nothing to scoff at. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, he has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances, establishing himself as a versatile and reliable presence in attack. Yet, his time at the club has not been without its setbacks. Notably, Jackson struggled during the Club World Cup, picking up a red card against Flamengo—a moment that may have contributed to his diminished role in the squad. With Chelsea's priorities now shifting to other targets, Jackson's future in London appears increasingly uncertain.
Bayern's pursuit of Jackson is not without competition. Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also reportedly interested in securing his signature. The transfer saga has been further complicated by the differing stances of the clubs involved. While Bayern are pushing for a loan deal—potentially with an option to buy—Chelsea's preference remains a permanent sale, with a transfer fee in the region of £60 million. This figure is already lower than what Chelsea were seeking earlier in the summer, suggesting some willingness to compromise as the window draws to a close.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Bayern have also been linked with Christopher Nkunku, another Chelsea forward who previously starred in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Nkunku's experience in Germany makes him an attractive option for Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, but his recent struggles with form and injuries at Chelsea have cast doubt on his immediate impact. Still, Kompany is reportedly content with the prospect of either Nkunku or Jackson joining the squad before the transfer deadline.
As negotiations continue, it's clear that Chelsea's transfer strategy is closely tied to the futures of Jackson and Nkunku. The club is eager to finalize their departures before moving forward with the acquisitions of Simons and Garnacho. According to The Sporting News, "Chelsea are still working to bring in two players: Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho. These deals are contingent on the sales of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson." The domino effect is palpable—one deal could set off a chain reaction across two of Europe's biggest leagues.
For Jackson, the decision is not without its own dilemmas. While his opportunities at Chelsea have diminished, a move to Bayern would place him in direct competition with established stars like Harry Kane. As one report noted, "his chances of starting ahead of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are significantly higher than being ahead of Harry Kane." It's a classic case of weighing playing time against the allure of joining one of Europe's elite clubs.
Bayern's management, led by Max Eberl and Vincent Kompany, remain optimistic yet pragmatic. They understand the complexities of the market and the need for flexibility as the deadline approaches. There is talk of potentially accepting a loan deal with an option to buy, rather than an obligation—hoping that Chelsea's stance may soften as time runs out. Meanwhile, the Bavarian club's strong start to the season, highlighted by their thrashing of RB Leipzig, has only heightened expectations among fans and pundits alike.
The transfer window's final days are always a whirlwind of speculation, negotiations, and last-minute twists. This summer is proving no different, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea at the center of one of the most closely watched sagas. Will Jackson make the switch to the Allianz Arena? Will Chelsea get the permanent transfer they desire? And how will these moves shape the fortunes of both clubs in the months ahead?
For now, all eyes remain on the negotiating table. With the transfer window rapidly closing, the outcome is still very much in the balance. Bayern Munich's pursuit of Nicolas Jackson—and possibly Christopher Nkunku—continues to captivate fans across Europe. One thing is certain: the final week of this transfer window promises plenty of drama, and the football world will be watching every move.
As the deadline looms, Bayern's determination to strengthen their attack signals their intent to remain at the top, while Chelsea's strategic maneuvering could reshape their squad for the challenges ahead. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.
