Nicolas Jackson is ready to pledge his immediate future to Chelsea, but his loyalty comes with one major condition.
Chelsea need a total overhaul under Xabi Alonso when it comes to strikers, with the Blues desperate to find some support for Joao Pedro.
This glaring lack of a focal point is why Nicolas Jackson’s return from Bayern Munich completely changes the summer blueprint. During his initial stint at Stamford Bridge, Jackson divided opinion; he was incredibly raw and frequently criticised for erratic finishing, yet he still managed to notch a highly respectable 14 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.
He essentially operated as a rotation option or injury cover behind Harry Kane. While he didn’t set the world on fire consistently, he did find a rich vein of form late in the season, scoring in consecutive matches to finish with 9 league goal involvements.
What is a fair price for Joao Pedro? 🔮
He cost £60m a year ago…
Nicolas Jackson wants to be a starter at Chelsea
The Sun are reporting that Nicolas Jackson is happy to stay at Chelsea, but only if he regains his first-team spot for next season.
Chelsea are expected to meet the Senegal striker’s representatives in the next fortnight to discuss his future.
Jackson has an open mind, with staying at Stamford Bridge next season, going out on loan again and seeking a permanent move away all on the agenda.
Are you taking Nicolas Jackson back at Chelsea in the summer? Is he better than what we’ve got?
Joe Cole on Nicolas Jackson
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Joao Pedro might have to become a number 10
Joao Pedro’s flexibility means he might frequently operate as a number 10 rather than a traditional number nine to accommodate Jackson.
Dropping into the pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines, he has the creativity and quality to drive from deep, it just depends how he feels about it.
Pedro has already stated that his favourite position is in the number nine.
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