Nicolas Jackson is open to staying at Chelsea next season, but only if one firm condition is met. The 24-year-old Senegalese forward will return to Stamford Bridge this summer when his season-long loan at Bayern Munich ends.
Bayern did not trigger the buy option as Jackson did not reach the appearance threshold to make the deal permanent. He was playing second fiddle to Harry Kane for much of the German campaign, netting 11 times and adding four assists in 34 appearances. His exit last summer came after the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro saw him fall out of the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
Jackson has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances since joining from Villarreal for around £32 million in 2023. The club have no need to sell him cheaply with his contract at Stamford Bridge running until June 2033. The Senegalese striker notably forced his way out of west London following a rocky fallout with Enzo Maresca, who has since left the club.
Incoming manager Xabi Alonso now has the task of trying to turn that around when he takes charge on July 1. Reports suggest Jackson is attracting interest from Italy and rival Premier League suitors this summer. Alonso will look at his squad, and will likely sort out everything in the early part of pre-season.
A Crowded Striker Department Awaits Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge
Jackson will not be the only number nine looking to catch the eye of Alonso when pre-season training gets under way. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, who both arrived at the club during last summer’s spending spree, remain very much in the picture.
Chelsea have also agreed a deal to sign Strasbourg captain Emanuel Emegha, who will join this summer on a long-term deal. The 22-year-old Dutch forward had a productive spell in Ligue 1, scoring 14 goals in 29 appearances last season.
There will be four genuine centre-forward options vying for minutes, so Alonso will have his work cut out ahead of the new campaign. The hierarchy has to balance Jackson’s desire for a guaranteed role with the strength in depth already assembled.