Nicolas Jackson’s representatives are now looking for a way out of Chelsea given the club’s striker situation.
Chelsea have already recruited Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer and Enzo Maresca’s side are now on the hunt for another addition up top.
Chelsea opened talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain recently, even if the French striker is keen to stay in Serie A.
But after making 36 appearances for Chelsea last season, Nicolas Jackson’s game time looks seriously under threat heading into the 2025/26 season.
And whilst Chelsea aren’t willing to sell, Jackson’s agents are already going to work preparing for a potential switch in the coming months.
Nicolas Jackson’s agents now exploring Chelsea exit
After exclusively sharing news of Chelsea’s talks with Randal Kolo Muani, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey also has an update on Jackson’s situation.
Jackson was Chelsea’s main striker last season, but he may often play second fiddle to Delap or a new number nine next season.
Nicolas Jackson after being shown a red card vs Flamengo
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
READ MORE: Chelsea attempted late swoop for ‘unbelievable’ Premier League centre-back but he wants PSG move
However, Chelsea are still insisting that Jackson is not leaving and that he is part of their plans next season.
Maresca’s side are not ruling out the prospect of heading into next season with three strikers, a campaign that will see a return to Champions League football.
But in terms of how Jackson’s camp feel, there are some ‘concerns’ as Bailey revealed.
He said: “We’ve previously reported that Jackson has some concerns and now we understand that his people are actively checking on his options.
“As well as from the Saudi Pro League, there’s also firm interest from Germany and Italy this summer.
“In fact, Eintracht Frankfurt see him as a potential replacement for Hugo Ekitike, whilst Napoli and Inter Milan also have him on their list too.”
John Obi Mikel already shared his Nicolas Jackson verdict
Former Chelsea man John Obi Mikel has been pretty outspoken about Jackson recently, blasting him for his needless red card at the Club World Cup.
But when speaking to The Telegraph at the start of the month, Mikel actually stated that he thought Jackson was a player Chelsea should keep.
Mikel said: “Definitely keep. I like him, I’ve always said that. The ability is there, he’s good on the ball, he can run past defenders, he can run behind.
“That’s what we need, someone to stretch the game. Defenders hate strikers who constantly run behind and that’s what Nicolas does.
“But I’ve said it before, just one thing he needs to add to his game is the finishing and scoring goals.
“My argument has always been to sign an experienced striker who knows how to put the ball in the net to help him.
“Everyone knows my choice would have been Victor Osimhen, but Chelsea have gone down a different way with Liam Delap.
“I hope the competition will be healthy and they can push each other to the limit of helping the football club.”
Of course, Chelsea could still end up with more competition than even Mikel seemed to imagine, should they recruit a third striker.