Nicolas Jackson could be sold by Chelsea this summer.placeholder image
Nicolas Jackson could be sold by Chelsea this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca is known for his ruthless transfer approach and must not be afraid this summer.
Chelsea have been one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League so far this transfer window but there’s one piece of business which should perhaps be more pressing than anything else.
The Blues have splurged on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and Brighton forward Joao Pedro, with Jamie Gittens also arriving from Borussia Dortmund. Enzo Maresca has a new look attack force and there’s plenty to be excited about.
With those new recruits brought in, it must be time for Chelsea to cut ties with Nicolas Jackson. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the striker has been transfer listed by the Blues, who want £50 million for his services.
Chelsea open to offers for Nicolas Jackson
You’d think that there are suitors across Europe willing to pay that fee. Jackson is still just 24 years old and there’s no doubting that he is a player who can have an impact on the pitch. The striker bagged 10 Premier League goals last season and has 24 across his 65 top flight outings.
Jackson would no doubt keep scoring at Chelsea, should he remain at Stamford Bridge, but his mindset does not appear to be one that is going to help the club. Towards the end of last season, disciplinary worries started to begin and, rather than diminishing, they have escalated over the summer.
The striker received a red card in the match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park for a reckless elbow to the face of Sven Botman. That was a crunch match in the race for Champions League qualification and his moment of madness left his team down to 10 men after 35 minutes. Chelsea lost 2-0.
Speaking after that match, Maresca said: "It's not about the age. No matter the age, if you make a mistake it's okay we all make mistakes. If you make the same mistake again, it's not the best thing. It's the first red card this season for us, unfortunately for Nico. In terms of yellow card, seriously, it's something during the summer we need to sit and review things and see the reason why. The amount we can avoid and improve for next season."
Nicolas Jackson frustrating teammates
Skip to the Club World Cup and Jackson saw red again. Given his marching orders having come on as a substitute against Flamengo, Jackson was punished for a bad tackle on Ayrton Lucas. His team lost a 1-0 lead to be beaten 3-1.
The striker managed to stay on the pitch as Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 this week, but did manage to anger his teammates again. Jackson had a golden chance to set up Cole Palmer for an easy tap in after 80 minutes but selfishly shot from a tricky angle and wasted the opportunity. The England international was furious, stamping his foot against the post and shouting at Jackson.
Jackson’s red cards have lost his team matches recently and now his decisions are having a negative effect on colleagues - even the ice cool Palmer has lost his rag. The striker has been a good servant to the club, but his sale must be a priority for Chelsea.
In other news, Chelsea transfer round-up: Three-time league winner considered as Blues demand sale.
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