The Chelsea striker is said to be keen on a move to Newcastle United
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca speaks to Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca speaks to striker Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson may have already shown that he understands the ethos at Newcastle United amid speculation linking him with a move to St James' Park.
The Magpies are on the hunt for a centre forward as Alexander Isak continue to push for a move to Liverpool, and the Senegal striker is one of many names linked.
Jackson could be set to leave Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks, with the Blues looking to offload several members of their squad after another summer of spending.
Enzo Maresca's side have brought Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to west London - both former Newcastle targets - and Jackson has been made surplus to requirements.
The 24-year-old is said to favour a move to Tyneside, and could be available for around £50m, but some United fans have expressed concerns over his lack of Premier League goals.
Jackson has netted 30 times in 81 appearances for Chelsea, including 24 in the league, but current boss Maresca was quick to highlight a key aspect of his game last season.
Speaking after a dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham in December of 2024, the Chelsea boss was keen to praise his No 9, despite his failure to get on the scoresheet.
"Nico was upset and sad because he didn’t score," Maresca said of his striker. "But Nico – and it’s something important for you to highlight – did the most important thing in the game against Tottenham.
"After we scored to make it 2-2 with the penalty from Cole, everyone went to be with Cole, but only one player went to get the ball and bring it back to the middle to start the match again. That was Nico.
"That shows the desire of Nico to win. Ten players go to celebrate, one brings the ball back to the halfway line. That shows how Nico is there, and that moment for me is the most important of the game."
Maresca was again full of praise for the striker when he returned to the side in April for a 1-0 win over Spurs after an injury absence, adding: “This game belongs to the players. You can have the best idea but if you don’t have the players it doesn’t matter.
“With Nico, we are a different team. He’s a threat in behind, off the ball he is pressing everyone so we are a different team with Nico.”
Of course Newcastle fans remember him for his red card at St James' Park at the end of last season following a late challenge on Sven Botman.
He also saw red in the Club World Cup in June, although they are his only two dismissals since joining Chelsea from Villarreal.
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