Jackson was sent off against Newcastleplaceholder image
Jackson was sent off against Newcastle | Getty Images
Chelsea have strengthened the forward line already this summer and with more new arrivals on the way, is Nicolas Jackson’s time up?
Enzo Maresca has fully emerged from the shadow of his mentor Pep Guardiola after a season in which Chelsea won two major trophies and showed the sort of progress that suggests they are title contenders once again.
An initial transfer frenzy has settled down with the Blues boss targeting specific areas that needed to be addressed. What this has meant, is that those on the fringes or less likely to play are now surplus to requirements.
What has Enzo Maresca said about Nicolas Jackson’s Chelsea future?
Chelsea are said to be being patient with Jackson in that they aren’t actively contacting clubs looking to move the 24-year old on, the reason being that Newcastle United are now desperate for a striker. The Magpies have lost out on Benjamin Sesko and might be willing to pay more than they normally would for a striker who they, potentially, aren’t even that keen on signing.
Addressing speculation, Maresca has previously hinted that Jackson being linked with a move is inevitable due to the new arrivals and that something could well happen before the window shuts via BBC Sport: “When the transfer window is open, unfortunately or fortunately, anything can happen. This also involves Nico's situation. At the moment we also had two strikers arrive, Joao [Pedro] and Liam [Delap]. So we will see what happens."
Who is leading the race for Nicolas Jackson?
He does though have some serious competition if he is to persuade the St James’ hierarchy that he is the right man to replace Alexander Isak: “I think there would be legs in Nicolas Jackson. What I understand of that situation is that Chelsea are open to selling Nicolas Jackson. They've strengthened quite significantly in attack and they continue to do so.
“They've signed Liam Delap, they've signed Joao Pedro. They're looking to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and potentially Alejandro Garnacho as well. So there's a lot of attacking options there, right?
“In terms of Nicolas Jackson and Newcastle, I think there is an interest there from Newcastle, but I also understand that certain individuals at St. James' Park need to be fully convinced that he would be the right option for them ahead of next season. One name I do understand to have pretty big credit in the bank at Newcastle is Ollie Watkins. Aston Villa, proven Premier League striker, scores plenty of goals in England International.”
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