Maresca wants a few more players to leaveplaceholder image
Maresca wants a few more players to leave | Getty Images
Chelsea could face a big decision when it comes to offloading one of their wantaway stars.
Chelsea may now be a big step closer to finalising their remaining summer transfer business. The Blues are hoping to do at least two more deals before Monday night’s deadline, with two incomings wanted by Enzo Maresca.
But Chelsea need to sell players before they can spent another £100million or so, with the Blues under a strict warning from UEFA that if they continue their unbalanced spending, they will be fined around £52million, adding to an existing fine of around £27million from this summer.
Chelsea have made progress on that front, with Renato Veiga joining Villarreal and Carney Chukwuemeka heading to Borussia Dortmund. The big sales the Blues want to do involve Christopher Nkunku, who they are demanding around £35million for, and Nicolas Jackson, who is likely to command around £60million.
According to reports in Germany, Bayern are now pushing to land Jackson, moving ahead of Aston Villa in the race. Though, it’s reported that Bayern want a loan deal, which will complicate things given Chelsea’s need for cash.
Christian Falk has reported that Jackson has agreed personal terms with Bayern, but he adds that Chelsea will have to agree on a loan deal. It’s not clear how that will serve the Blues aside from getting a player who no longer wants to be at the club away from the squad for a season.
Chelsea would surely be wise to see if they can get a permanent deal done with clubs like Aston Villa or Newcastle United, but there may need to be a compromise on the reported £60milion asking price. A loan deal to Bayern could allow them to earn an even better fee from Jackson next summer, but given Harry Kane is the clear starter, that could also go the other way, and Jackson’s stock could fall.
What Maresca has said
Chelsea boss Maresca said of Jackson last week: “[Jackson] is available but he’s not going to be part of the squad because, as we already said, we have two strikers, we have two players in that position and also we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes.
“Christo [Nkunku] is with us like Nico, but it’s the same answer as Nico.” Jackson was a key player for Chelsea last season, but the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have seen him ousted. It did seem as though there was a place for Jackson to stay and fight for his job, but after reports emerged that he wanted out rather than face the competition, the decision was seemingly made by Maresca to cut ties.
Though, much of that is likely down to the fact Chelsea need to raise cash to sign their remaining attacking targets.
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