Less than two months ago, Enzo Maresca described Nicolas Jackson as his "perfect No.9". However, in order to get the absolute best out of the 23-year-old, Chelsea want to add support and competition.
Jackson started 28 Premier League games over the course of the 2024/25 campaign, that recently concluded with the Blues qualifying for Champions League football. Out of the 31 matches he was available for in the top-flight, Jackson was used from the start in more than 90% of those - highlighting his importance as the main No.9 in the squad.
"My perfect No.9 is exactly Nico Jackson," said Maresca in April. He added: "If we have a copy of Nico, it's okay. I have said many times, and you can see as well, with Nico we are a better team. Nico is the one we need.
"Last season, he scored goals without penalties. This season, he scored goals without penalties. This season, he scored goals until he was injured. Now, hopefully he can score more goals without penalties. We are happy with Nico. And about next season, it's not the moment [to talk about transfers]."
Now, though, it is the time. The mini transfer window, that takes place before the Club World Cup begins midway through next month, opens on Sunday, and Chelsea are looking to get some business done as soon as possible. One of their first signings could be adding a new striker to their squad.
Liam Delap is the name on everyone's lips at the moment. Sources have told football.london that Delap has given Chelsea the green light over a move. Despite mass interest from elsewhere in the Premier League and abroad, Delap wants to switch to Stamford Bridge, with the Blues willing to pay the 22-year-old's £30million release clause following Ipswich Town's relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea view the £30million price as great value and an absolute no-brainer given the striker's undeniable talent and potential, football.london understands. Maresca has worked with the England Under-21 international in the past and is understood to be excited at the prospect of reuniting with the forward.
As for what it means for Jackson, it should not change his importance to the squad whatsoever. If anything, this will benefit Jackson in the long run. The pressure of having a strong No.9 fighting for a place in the squad could lift Jackson's level and it will allow him to be rested on the odd occasion.
Nowadays, with the mass volume of matches Chelsea will have to play next season, it is not a case of who will be first choice in the No.9 role. It should be a case of rotating between each other in the starting line-up with Chelsea looking to compete in four competitions next season.
Jackson has his flaws, no doubt about it, but his development and progression has pleased those who work for Chelsea. Their faith and belief in the Senegal international was showcased in September when Jackson penned a two-year extension on his long-term contract - a reward for an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge.
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