Enzo Maresca has dropped two Chelsea strikers.placeholder image
Enzo Maresca has dropped two Chelsea strikers. | Getty Images
Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are linked with a move for the out of favour Chelsea striker.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been axed from the matchday squad to take on West Ham tomorrow night as transfer rumours surrounding his future continue to swirl.
The 24-year-old was not in the Blues’ squad to take on Crystal Palace on Sunday either but Enzo Maresca has now confirmed that the player is available for selection. Nonetheless, Jackson will not play against West Ham as the club prioritises moving him on from Stamford Bridge.
The Blues paid £32 million to sign the talisman from Villarreal just two years ago but he has fallen out of favour under Maresca. Jackson still made 37 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 13 goals.
Enzo Maresca drops two players from Chelsea squad
This summer, Chelsea have invested in new options up front. A combined £90 million was spent on Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. Meanwhile, Jamie Gittens arrived from Borussia Dortmund alongside youngster Willian Estevao from Palmeiras in attacking positions - Manchester United talent Alejandro Garnacho is also expected through the doors at Stamford Bridge.
That has made Jackson surplus to requirements. Speaking about the player this week, alongside fellow frozen out forward Christopher Nkunku, Maresca said: “We have two strikers and also we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes. He [Jackson] is available, but he’s not going to be part of the squad. It is the same with Nico.”
Asked if he expects the players to leave, Maresca said: “No idea. You know from last season I prefer to be focused on training sessions. I don’t know.”
Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa linked with Nicolas Jackson
News of Jackson being excluded from the Chelsea squad once again comes as a potential boost for suitors. The Mirror claims that Newcastle United and Aston Villa remain ‘live possibilities’ for Jackson this summer.
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with the player since the start of the window, including Manchester United and Arsenal. The latter have since spent £55 million on Sporting CP bagsman Viktor Gyokeres, which appeared to kill off rumours of a move for Jackson.
Consequently, TeamTALK report that an Arsenal move for Chelsea star Jackson could be back on. The north London club have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke from their top flight rivals this summer.
In other news, Arsenal have made Tottenham their little brother with £60m transfer hijack
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