Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images
Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images
Chelsea now have Nicolas Jackson available for the rest of their pre-season tour, with Xabi Alonso yet to completely give up on the Senegal international.
Jackson has not featured for the Blues since the 2025 Club World Cup, where even there he started to fall behind both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the pecking order.
He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, however struggled to establish himself there due to the excellent form of Harry Kane up front.
Xabi Alonso keen to give Nicolas Jackson on Chelsea pre-season tour
After his struggles at the World Cup, Jackson is ready to get back into club action, which will start at least with Chelsea in Australia.
As per MaxFSport, Alonso is prepared to give Jackson a chance to convince him that he should be part of the project at Stamford Bridge, and if he is up for the battle to start in the squad.
SOCCER: JUL 01 FIFA World Cup 26 Round of 32 - Belgium v Senegal
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He said: “Nicolas Jackson has arrived to join up on Chelsea’s pre season tour. Xabi Alonso remains keen on evaluating the striker and his mentality toward Chelsea despite talks with other clubs.”
The Senegal international has been linked with a move away this summer, with Aston Villa the most notable side interested in a move.
Business has been plentiful between the two sides in this window. Morgan Rogers has joined the Blues, while Alejandro Garnacho has made the switch to Villa Park.
Jackson has fresh competition at Chelsea
Villa will not be able to loan Jackson though due to Premier League rules stating only one player can be loaned from a single club, with Garnacho only currently there temporarily.
While the striker would have fancied his chances in a battle against Delap for a place in the side, however will have to jostle with Danny Welbeck now too.
The veteran striker is set to bring much-needed experience to the Chelsea squad, and will surely not be joining the club if he doesn’t have some guarantees about having a role in the matchday squad.