Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has been discussing Nicolas Jackson, with the striker being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
It recently emerged that Jackson has become a target for Arsenal, who are looking to bring in a new centre-forward this summer.
Jackson has also been linked to Manchester United, so his future in west London is up in the air.
The 24-year-old will be absent for Chelsea‘s Club World Cup round of 16 tie against Benfica after being handed a two-game ban for the red card he picked up during the group stages.
Micheal Ballack, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole talk to Jason Cundy at the Chelsea FC Annual Lunch
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jason Cundy feels Chelsea have let down Nicolas Jackson by not providing him with competition
Chelsea signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in the summer’s first transfer window, and the 22-year-old has not disappointed in the few games he has played so far.
Delap provided an assist on his Chelsea debut and also scored in the Blues’ last outing, a 3-0 win against Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
While Jackson’s future has come into doubt since Delap’s arrival, Cundy feels he has suffered by not having to face competition from another centre-forward.
Speaking about Jackson’s situation on talkSPORT’s Inside Chelsea show, he said: “I’m not sure he’ll go. I mean, you never say never. I think if the price was right, I think the club would consider, depends on what the offer is. But then you need a replacement. We don’t want to find ourselves in the same position we were last year.
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“Jackson was let down, I felt, by there not being enough competition for that area. He knew, irrespective of how he played, he was going to start again.”
While competition can be good, not everyone will agree with Cundy. Jackson has had the full trust of his manager and plenty of opportunities to perform. Some will argue that he has had no reason not to deliver.
Jackson was recently criticised by Liverpool legend Steve Nicol following his red card in the defeat to Flamengo.
Nicol really tore into Jackson after the game, comparing the way he plays to a headless chicken running around.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea FC reacts as he heads for the dressing room after being shown a red card
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Potential Nicolas Jackson replacements
Jackson may not be at Chelsea long enough for people to see whether more competition can push him to the next level amid these links with Arsenal.
If he does go, Chelsea could sign Joao Pedro as a replacement. The Blues have also been linked with Hugo Ekitike, so he could be another option if they can bring down his price tag.