Napoli are assessing multiple attacking options as they look to reshape their forward line following Romelu Lukaku’s departure, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that Gabriel Jesus is not the only name under consideration. The Serie A side have also made enquiries for Joshua Zirkzee and Nicolas Jackson, two forwards whose situations in the Premier League are drawing attention this summer.
The information points to early-stage checks rather than an advanced move, but the direction of travel is clear. Napoli are scanning the market for a mobile striker profile, and both Zirkzee and Jackson fit that brief in different ways. Zirkzee remains a technically gifted option who can link play and operate across the front line, while Jackson brings pace, running power and a willingness to attack space repeatedly.
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Napoli transfer plans depend on exitThere is an important condition attached to any concrete step. Napoli are expected to wait for another departure in the attacking department before progressing. That out-ball appears to centre on Lang, with Atalanta still pushing for a loan deal and renewing that interest again. If that move gathers pace, Napoli could then accelerate their work on targets from England.
This part matters, because it suggests Napoli are keeping flexibility in the market rather than committing too early. It also reflects a wider pattern in their recruitment, with the club increasingly comfortable dealing in the Premier League after a series of productive moves, including the arrival of Badiashile in Italy.
Nicolas Jackson future attracts Chelsea attentionFrom a Chelsea perspective, Jackson being mentioned will not come as a major shock. His future has felt open to interpretation for a while, particularly whenever elite-level striker discussions gather momentum around Stamford Bridge. Napoli making contact for information is logical, especially for a player who still carries value, profile and upside.
There is no suggestion here of an agreement or even formal negotiations at this stage, but this is exactly how many moves begin. Quiet background checks often determine whether a deal has room to develop, and Napoli appear to be doing that groundwork on both Jackson and Zirkzee.
Premier League striker market remains activeWhat stands out most is Napoli’s willingness to keep several files active at once. Gabriel Jesus, Nicolas Jackson and Joshua Zirkzee are different cases, with different costs and different practicalities, but all sit within a similar level of market opportunity. That makes sense in a summer when timing, exits and salary structure are likely to shape every major decision.
For now, Napoli’s striker search remains active, informed and dependent on movement elsewhere. Jackson and Zirkzee are firmly on the radar, and if Napoli create space in the squad, this could become one to watch closely.
Our ViewAs a Chelsea supporter, this report feels believable without being especially dramatic. Jackson has long looked like one of those players who divides opinion outside the club more than inside it. There are obvious flaws in his game, particularly with consistency in front of goal, but there are also attributes that many teams would value highly. Napoli noticing that is hardly surprising.
The Chelsea angle is straightforward. If the club are still adjusting the attack and refining the squad, then every saleable asset will attract interest. Jackson is young, experienced at a high level, physically strong and capable of stretching defences. That creates a market. Whether Chelsea would actively want to lose him is a different question, because replacing his availability and athletic output is not simple.
From a fan perspective, there would probably be mixed feelings. Some would be ready to cash in if the fee is right, especially if Chelsea are targeting another striker. Others would argue that Jackson remains useful, especially across a long season with multiple competitions. The main point is that this kind of approach feels routine for a club of Chelsea’s size. Good players will always generate calls.
So yes, unsurprised is the right word. Napoli are ambitious, they know the Premier League market well, and Jackson is exactly the sort of name they would ask about before deciding whether to move seriously.
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